After a string of strong performances, the New Orleans Pelicans played a truly awful game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The New Orleans Pelicans have officially crashed back to Earth by losing to Philadelphia. Over the previous handful of games, the Pelicans seemed to be in the midst of a sort of renaissance. Spurred on by Tim Frazier, the Pelicans were playing exceptional team-basketball and doing all of the little things required to be competitive despite lacking in the talent department. Against the Sixers, the Pelicans instead looked like a team made up on D-League call-ups and career fringe guys (which, of course, is exactly what the team is), and the result was a fairly ugly loss.
Next: The Pelicans have stumbled upon something
Other observations:
- Ball movement has been the key for the Pelicans as of late, and it faltered against Philadelphia. The Pelicans posted a paltry 20 assists, and players not named Tim Frazier seemed to be making little to no effort to create for their teammates.
- The pick and roll/pop duo of Alexis Ajinca and Tim Frazier is starting to develop more chemistry. Going forward, the Pelicans should look to cultivate that relationship. It may be the staple of next season’s bench.