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The New Orleans Pelicans have had a knack for the late game theater this year, and often times they've ended up on the wrong side of the coin. Last night was no exception, as the Pelicans were coasting through three quarters before the Portland Trail Blazers outscored them 43-29 in the 4th frame to edge out the Pelicans, winning the game by one, 125-124. Afterwards, Zion Williamson spoke his truths.
Zion on #Pelicans execution faltering in 4Q: "Everybody wanted to make a play. It all came from a genuine place. We kind of got away from moving the ball and finding the best shot, or getting a lot of cuts. We tried to go 1-on-1. We've got to learn from that and be better."
— Jim Eichenhofer (@Jim_Eichenhofer) March 17, 2021
It became a “hero ball,” show for the Pelicans as they tried frantically to hold the Blazers off in the last few minutes of the game. It proved to not be the recipe for success, as Damian Lillard hit two free-throws with 1.2 seconds left to put the final nail in the coffin.
Interestingly enough, the Pelicans, who had no timeouts left after the Lillard free-throws, actually had a real good look on a full court pass from Lonzo Ball to Williamson that came up just short.
This would’ve been a crazy ending. Lonzo can really toss the rock. https://t.co/DgMdEn6hra
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) March 17, 2021
Zion finished the game with 28 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists but it still wasn't enough for New Orleans. The loss dropped the Pelicans to 17-23 and propelled the Blazers to 23-16.
Lillard hammered home an even 50 points on an incredibly efficient 13-20 from the field, 6-13 from three-point range, and an unblemished 18-18 from the free-throw line.
These types of losses, of this nature, can start to take a toll on a team throughout a season. The Pelicans will get a chance to rid themselves of the salty taste in their mouth on Thursday night when they are right back at it in Portland, against Lillard and the very same Blazers.
