New Orleans Pelicans Player Grades: Pelicans play flat in blowout loss to Phoenix Suns 104-88

After a strong road win against the Utah Jazz just a few nights ago, the New Orleans Pelicans came out flat in a 104-88 loss to the Phoenix Suns. This marks the 19th loss on the season for the Pelicans, who continue to dig themselves a deeper hole to dig out of if they hope to get back to the playoffs this season.

Early on into the game, it was clear New Orleans was flat. The Pelicans shot just 26.1% from the field in the first quarter of play. It didn’t end there, as the Pelicans found close to zero offensive rhythm throughout the game, finishing with a 36.6 shooting % from the field.

It didn’t get any better on the defensive end, as the Suns shot 52.4% from the field on the night, with Eric Bledsoe leading the charge with 29 points. Anthony Davis led the scoring for the Pelicans with 16 points. This loss marks the 13th loss in 15 road games for New Orleans, a troubling theme that can not be ignored this season.

Other Observations:

• The Pelicans have tried to stay away from relying on the three this season, but when they did take long shots, it went very poorly. New Orleans shot 4-22 from behind the arc, while Phoenix made six of their 16 three-point attempts. If the opposing team is going to leave the long-ball open for you and you’re going to take those shots, you have to make them. Looking at Eric Gordon, Jrue Holiday and Norris Cole, who combined to shoot 3-18 from long range tonight.
• The main thing that kept New Orleans in the game was the free-throw line. While the Suns only attempted 17 free-throws all night, the Pelicans made 32 of their 38 attempts. For how bad they shot the ball, don’t fault their aggression. Their mission was to attack the interior. It got them to the line on a frequent basis. The only real positive tonight.
• To put it simply, the Pelicans let the Suns completely control the paint on both sides of the court tonight. Phoenix finished with 12 offensive rebounds, 52 points in the paint and only allowed 34 points in the paint for New Orleans. Phoenix has a size advantage as a team, but that’s no excuse for their command inside entirely.
• The Pelicans failed to score over 25 points in a single quarter tonight. That’s frustrating. It’s one thing to be missing shots, but 21 turnovers for an NBA team is completely inexcusable. Not to mention three of those turnovers were on plays that were fastbreak opportunities late in the game trying to trim the deficit. Sloppiness is a lack of basketball IQ or a lack of care. Neither is good.
• Alvin Gentry’s pure frustration on the media timeout in the first quarter shows what has happened for this team so far. There’s been a lack of energy and passion to try and win games. From every player involved. It’s been sloppy, uninspired and disappointing. There’s not much to say. That describes this season as a whole. The Pelicans have the talent. What they don’t have is the drive and chemistry. You can sense it. This doesn’t feel like a “team” should feel. The fact this doesn’t feel like a team is the most worrying thing over all others. If you don’t have team chemistry, it’s near impossible to have success.

Next: Awards for the Pelicans blowout loss to the Phoenix Suns

The New Orleans Pelicans will try to get back to winning in their next game on Sunday, December 20th in Denver against the Nuggets. Tip is scheduled for 7:00 PM CST.