New Orleans Pelicans: 4 Overreactions to the 111-98 loss to the Heat

The New Orleans Pelicans took their first loss of the season to the Miami Heat.

It was only the first loss of the season for the New Orleans Pelicans, but the Miami Heat exposed a couple of early problems for the Pels.

Miami was on fire from 3-point range, particularly Duncan Robinson, who set a Christmas Day record with seven from behind the arc.

The Pels have been poor at defending the 3-point line in the first two games but have done a good job of defending the paint which was clearly a priority coming into the season.

The Pels got off to a strong start but Miami went on a huge run when the Pels turned to the bench, which is going to be an issue all season.

It’s just one loss but there are some disturbing trends emerging. Let’s start with something positive.

New Orleans Pelicans: Lonzo Ball’s defense has improved

Overreaction #1: Lonzo Ball is the Pelicans’ best defender!

This might not be an overreaction.

Goran Dragic absolutely killed the Pelicans in the first half and was a big reason they went on their extended run. He was getting into the lane at will and either setting up teammates are just taking it right to the rim.

The Pelicans were able to shut him down for the most part in the second half after Stan Van Gundy put Lonzo Ball on Dragic.

Lonzo was in his chest, picking him up at full court and forcing Dragic to pick up his dribble. Hart got the steal on this play, but it was Lonzo’s tight defense on Dragic that caused it:

https://twitter.com/PelicansNBA/status/1342544728227647488

Lonzo Ball did not have a strong game offensively but his defense helped bring the Pels back in the second half and was nice to see Lonzo commit on that end.

Now onto the not so nice stuff.