3 fatal flaws that could crush the Pelicans postseason hopes
By Matt Alquiza
A three game losing streak has plummeted the Pelicans down the Western Conference standings.
Less than two weeks ago New Orleans was sitting pretty in the four seed as dreams of hosting a first round playoff series danced in their heads. Now, as it stands, a play-in matchup with the playoff seasoned Sacramento Kings awaits the Pelicans. If New Orleans loses that, a one-game, win-and-you're-in scenario against Stephen Curry and the Warriors or LeBron James and the Lakers awaits. A terrifying proposition for anyone.
Let's take a look at some of the flaws that have the Pelicans in this undesirable scenario.
1. Inability to close out close games
The New Orleans Pelicans are one of the worst fourth quarter teams in the entire NBA. For the entire season across all quarters, the Pelicans net rating sits at 4.8. The sixth best in the entire Association, and fourth best in the Western Conference. They're a good basketball team!
However, when it gets to crunch time, things begin to fall apart. In games decided by three points or less, the Pelicans are 1-6. The only team worse than New Orleans is the Detroit Pistons who are 1-7. The Pelicans net rating in fourth quarters is -1.8 good for 24th in the league.
The close game record has some noise and variance to it, but the net rating doesn't lie. New Orleans is a bad basketball team down the stretch of games, and it's on Willie Green to figure out what the problem is.