Lonzo Ball’s 3-point shooting could carry Pelicans to the play-in tournament

Lonzo Ball had a huge game against the Warriors, scoring 33 points while hitting 7-of-13 from 3-point range in the Pelicans’ most recent win.

I wrote that we would learn a lot about the Pelicans from this game, and one thing that we learned is they need Lonzo Ball’s 3-point shooting if they want to have a chance at the play-in tournament.

The Pelicans’ odds to make the play-in tournament are slim but there is a path for them to get there.

It will take some help from a team like the Spurs, but the Pelicans can at least put themselves in a position for a chance.

Statistically speaking, that chance will be lot greater if Lonzo Ball makes a bunch of 3-point shots. I know that is obvious, but the numbers are interesting.

New Orleans Pelicans: Lonzo Ball’s 3-point shooting leads to wins

Lonzo Ball’s biggest problem this season has been consistency. As we saw last night, he can be the best player on the floor at times, but only if he is making 3-point shots.

It’s been feast or famine with Lonzo all season, illustrated by the last four games where he’s hit 0, 8, 1, and 7 from long range.

The Pelicans really just need him to be accurate consistently, as they are 15-11 in games when Lonzo Ball shoots at least 40 percent from the 3-point line.

They are 6-4 when he makes at least five 3-point shots but that number drops to 7-9 for games when he only makes four or more.

The Pelicans not only need him to be accurate, but they need him to make volume 3-point shots, as right now he is one of the only guys shooting and hitting a high number. The Pelicans are just 26th in 3-point percentage in the NBA, so they go as Lonzo Ball goes.

If Lonzo can make five or more 3-pointers in these remaining games and shoot 40 percent or better, the Pelicans will have a puncher’s chance to make the play-in tournament.