The New Orleans Pelicans suffered a late-game collapse, falling 128-118 to the Orlando Magic. This game had some significant bright spots: Jordan Poole finally bounced back, scoring 23 points after being on the worst stretch of his Pelicans career. Yves Missi and Karlo Matkovic also killed it off the bench. Jeremiah Fears' decision-making looked on point. Derik Queen and Trey Murphy III's chemistry continues to skyrocket.
Despite all the positives, there was one obvious flaw that was a major contributor down the stretch and ultimately led to Orlando's 24-8 run to close the game. This team has too many mouths to feed. For any team in the NBA to have a fluent, successful offense down the stretch, you have to have one or two players who are the de facto decision makers and shot takers.
In the Pelicans case, they have four players they look to create with in closeout situations, and it's been a problem all season.
Talent vs fit
When fully healthy this season (excluding Dejounte Murray), the Pelicans have multiple late-game creators: Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Jeremiah Fears, and Derik Queen. But having so many options can backfire. New Orleans' late-game offense becomes stagnant, as the ball often gets swung around the perimeter with no one attacking until the shot clock forces rushed decisions. These situations lead to bad shots or turnovers down the stretch.
To me, this is another reason I believe it's time for the franchise to part ways with Zion Williamson. If you remove Williamson and his inability to space the floor even a little and replace him with an off-ball floor spacer, I believe the Pels come out victorious in this game. Let's say this were the case, and New Orleans still lost this game. For the long-term outlook of this team, I'd still much rather see one of Murphy III, Fears, or Queen get the late-game touches Z did.
Game planning as an opposing defense is also so simple when Williamson is with the ball in a clutch—all opponents have to do is pack the paint, because you know the jumper is not a threat. It becomes even easier when you are a team like the Orlando Magic, who have elite defensive personnel (11th in defensive rating entering this game) and have built an entire identity on that side of the ball.
Zion Williamson is a damn good player, as evidenced by his averages and the production he showed tonight, contributing 22 points on 64 percent from the field. That said, with each loss, we are seeing that despite his talents, he doesn't fit around the team's other long-term pieces.