The New Orleans Pelicans came out flat in their final game of 2015 as they chalked up their 22nd loss of the season to the Los Angeles Clippers 95-89.
In a game where Blake Griffin did not play tonight due to a torn left quad tendon injury, the Clippers relied on J.J. Redick’s shooting to help propel them to victory. Redick finished the game with 26 points on 9-15 shooting and four three-pointers to carry an inefficient offense past the Pelicans on New Years Eve.
The Pelicans actually shot the ball well, shooting 43.9% from the field. However, they turned the ball over 15 times, gave up 13 offensive rebounds and gave the Clippers nine more free-throw attempts than they forced. The Clippers used that to bring them to victory. Ryan Anderson was the leading scorer for New Orleans with 17 points. The New Orleans Pelicans now move to 10-22, still just four games back of the eighth seed in the Western Conference.
Other Observations:
- After this game, there’s not a lot of extra observations to be had. This team couldn’t beat a good team without one of its best player coming off a back-to-back. There is a lot of problems with this team as a whole and they are not getting fixed with time. It’s the same story night in and night out, just with different tunes. Something has to change soon to salvage this season, if it’s even salvageable at this point.
- The only positive is that Quincy Pondexter looks to be returning in the near future. On the Pelicans broadcast, it was stated the timetable for his return is looking like two weeks. He’s a key piece this team needs back more than anything.
- At least the New Orleans Pelicans can try a fresh start, with 0 losses for 2016.
Next: The Pelicans desperately need a new vision with the new year
The New Orleans Pelicans will look to start the New Year off with a win in Dallas Saturday, January 2nd for a home-and-home with the Mavericks. Tip is scheduled for 7:30 PM CST.