The New Orleans Pelicans failed to bounce back, dropping their second straight game to the Phoenix Suns, 123–114. After Phoenix's size and elite shooting from beyond the arc stunned the Pels the night prior, the same story repeated itself once again. New Orleans gave up 30 second-chance points and was out-rebounded by 12, while also losing the battle in both three-point attempts and makes.
After Mark Williams dominated the Pelicans on both ends the night before, it was Oso Ighodaro who started in his place that really set the tone in the paint on both ends in this one. The second-year Marquette product finished with eight points and 10 rebounds on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting from the field.
Despite not starting, Williams was ejected after an exchange with Jose Alvarado, who was also tossed. The two traded pushes after Williams set a screen that Alvarado took exception to, and things only got more intense from there, with both players being tossed in the late third quarter.
These two games against the Suns, who have been a legitimate playoff team this season, serve as a prime example of the apparent gap between where the Pelicans are and the Western Conference elites.
Silver lining: Zion’s rising value
Despite losing their third straight game, the obvious silver lining is that Zion Williamson's trade value is clearly rising.
Williamson had 22 points, four rebounds, two steals, and two blocks while shooting an impressive 72.7 percent from the floor. This is his fourth game in the last five scoring 22 or more points on 60 percent shooting or higher.
Since returning from an abductor injury against Chicago nearly two weeks ago, he's been unstoppable attacking downhill and finishing at the basket. He's also continuing to prove that he is an ultimate team player by fully buying into a new role as the team’s sixth man.
The Pelicans' hopes of reaching the play-in tournament are shrinking with every loss—the opportunity for a fire sale at the trade deadline is looking more enticing. This makes it crucial that Williamson one remains healthy and two remains playing at the elite level he has been playing as of late, because if he does, there will be no shortage of teams lining up to acquire the former No. 1 pick.
While a lack of size and execution doomed the Pelicans in this game, it served as a clear reminder of why the focus should be on the future rather than the present.