The New Orleans Pelicans have booked their ticket to the 2023-24 play-in, which is great news for the organization that wants to be active contenders for the Larry O’Brien trophy.
However, there are massive problems the Pelicans must address if they want to make a serious run for the championship.
CJ McCollum pointed out as they prepare for their upcoming duel against the Los Angeles Lakers that things have to change if they want to beat the Purple and Gold and have a fighting chance against the Denver Nuggets.
CJ McCollum points to the New Orleans Pelicans’ turnover problem as they prepare to face the Lakers
McCollum believes the team was too careless with turnovers during their season finale. He insists that the team must be more aware of the ball to stand a chance against the best teams in the Western Conference during the playoffs.
Per ClutchPoints’ Chris Dodson:
“I think it was a combination. They got turnovers. They got out in transition, some lobs, some dunks, some slips, some back door cuts. It was a combination of everything,” McCollum detailed. “I had some (turnovers) early and they got out and ran in transition but overall I think 19 turnovers is too many. They are going to get points off of those; they are going to get threes and dunks to feed off that. We got to do a better job taking care of the ball.”
During a game where both LeBron James and Anthony Davis weren’t at their healthiest, it’s unacceptable for CJ McCollum that his team wasn’t efficient enough in handling the basketball.
Zion Williamson must also step up against the Purple and Gold
Their turnover problems weren’t the only thing holding the New Orleans Pelicans down. Zion Williamson was a non-factor against the Lakers, and that has to change during the play-in tournament.
Zion finished with only 12 points on an abysmal 4-for-13 shooting clip. He showed up on the other areas of the game with his eight rebounds, eight assists, and two steals, but he also led the team with his four TOs.
If the New Orleans Pelicans are going to make a deep playoff run, their main man cannot buckle under the bright lights like this. He needs to improve his shooting efficiency against a Lakers team that is desperate to make the playoffs.
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