The Lakers are down by 28 points in the second half of their game against the Pelicans. There is a time and a place.
The New Orleans Pelicans were turning into a nightmare after a promising weekend.
In a crucial back-to-back set against the two teams they are battling in the Western Conference play-in race, the Pelicans lost by four points to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday and then by 23 to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.
After a 41-point third quarter, the Pelicans pushed through for a 116-108 victory, moving into ninth place in the West with a half-game lead on the Lakers and a one-game lead on the Spurs.
Willie Green said that they made a few adjustments at halftime to challenge their group to be more disciplined. They punched us in the mouth right away. We stayed there. All game long, we were resilient. The key for us is not to try to get it back at one time. Just one stop. One score at a time. We are so proud in the locker room. That was growth.
It was the largest blown lead in a game that James has played for the Lakers. He called the loss a microcosm of the season.
James said that tonight was one of those instances where they haven't been able to sustain all year. I mean, excuse my language, but that is what it feels like. I came in with the mindset that it was a playoff-type atmosphere. It feels like a wasted opportunity for me and our team. We were not able to get it done.
The team needs to quickly forget about the game against the Mavericks in Dallas.
It hurts. The game hurts. This was a big game and we have to regroup and get some wins down the stretch. Time is running out for us. We came out with the proper intensity for this game, but weren't able to close it.
Los Angeles dominated the first half. James had a game-high 39 points. The team hit 11 of 19 3-pointers. Everything was going the way of the Lakers.
In Los Angeles on February 27, the Pelicans used a huge third quarter to shift the momentum. They defeated the Lakers 44-25 in the quarter. They defeated them 41-25.
Los Angeles had a four-point lead going into the fourth quarter, but New Orleans scored the first five points of the period to take the lead.
It shows that we believe in each other. Everybody was ready. We did it. Guys made some big-time plays on the defensive side.
He had missed 10 games with a injury. He responded with 26 points, seven rebound and five assists, despite being limited to 26 minutes.
Green said it was good to have him back. The things he does on the floor are amazing. His size, strength, and ability to shoot over the top of guys make him unique. I think our guys understand the moment more than anything.
After each was a game-time decision, the Pelicans had both Valanciunas and McCollum play. Valanciunas had 19 points and 12 Rebounds, and McCollum had 18 points.
New Orleans almost lost Jaxson in the first quarter after he injured his left index finger, but he returned with his fingers taped together on his left hand.
The biggest lift of the night came from the rookies, who had 21 points in the second half. Murphy scored 16 of them in the third quarter.
He played in some G League games. He had to work on his craft and get to the gym. As the season has progressed, he has been getting better. We needed all of his money. We are proud of him.
Murphy was recalled from the G League to receive major rotation minutes after he was injured. Murphy is shooting 48.7% from deep in the past 10 games.
Murphy said to be confident and know that they drafted you for. I have to help the team win. I can do that with shooting.
There are seven games left, five of which are on the road. They play the Trail Blazers in Portland on Wednesday. The game after that? The Lakers will play the final game of the season in Los Angeles.
Green knows that the win on Sunday could have a big impact on the playoffs.
Green said that they could possibly see one of those teams again.
Dave McMenamin contributed to the report.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
