The New Orleans Pelicans faced a challenging game against the Atlanta Hawks, resulting in a 115-98 defeat. This loss marked the Pelicans’ ninth consecutive setback, as they continue to struggle as the lowest-scoring team in the NBA.
Zion Williamson’s Absence Impacted Pelicans’ Offense
The Pelicans, with a record of 2-15, were without their leading scorer, Zion Williamson, due to load management. His absence was felt significantly throughout the game, preventing the team from maintaining their offensive flow. Just three days prior, Williamson had returned from an eight-game hiatus caused by a strained hamstring.
Game Highlights and Statistics
The Pelicans initially took a lead, finishing the first quarter ahead by four points. However, they struggled offensively in the subsequent quarters, managing only 45 points combined in the second and third. Their final score fell short of their average of 109.3 points per game.
- Trey Murphy led the Pelicans with 19 points.
- Saddiq Bey contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds.
- Derik Queen added 20 points, while Jeremiah Fears scored 11.
On the other side, the Hawks showcased strong performances:
- Kristaps Porzingis scored 29 points.
- Jalen Johnson contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds.
- Vit Krejci added 21 points.
- Former Pelicans Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 14 and 11 points, respectively.
Game Dynamics and Fan Participation
Despite a competitive start, the Pelicans could not maintain momentum. The Hawks executed a decisive 23-11 run that extended their lead to 79-60 by the end of the third quarter. The presence of numerous enthusiastic Hawks fans added to the atmosphere, as many were in town for the Atlanta Falcons’ game against the New Orleans Saints the following day.
Injury issues compounded the Pelicans’ struggles, with Herb Jones missing the game due to calf and back issues. This change led to the team using its 11th different starting lineup of the season, with rookie Micah Peavy stepping in for Jones.
The next challenge for New Orleans will be against the Chicago Bulls, where they will seek to break their losing streak and improve their offensive performance.
