New Orleans Pelicans Show WEAKNESS Under Pressure, Is a Major Roster Change Needed Soon?

New Orleans Pelicans fall short to the Denver Nuggets, raising tough questions about late-game execution and defensive effort. Without a reliable closer, the Pelicans struggle to fend off Jamal Murray’s clutch scoring, while Trey Murphy racks up 31 points but can’t secure the win. Can the team find a dependable scorer when the pressure mounts, or will fourth quarter woes continue to haunt their playoff ambitions?

Jake Madison breaks down the Pelicans’ most pressing issues: a glaring lack of clutch self-creation, porous defense—especially from Zion Williamson—and the steep learning curve for rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears. The episode examines strategic lineups, highlights individual player development, and discusses how these recurring problems shape roster decisions. With insights on defensive buy-in and rookie struggles, Locked On Pelicans questions what’s next for New Orleans as they prepare to face the Brooklyn Nets.

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19 comments

  10. We are winning games at the 5 min point and losing those games also at that point you don’t shoot 3s and have the lead at the 5 point min of the game.…now as a coach, I would…plant the ball in the post to Z or Queen doesn’t matter which.opposing teams will foul or can’t cover the player.❤go pels.

  16. Sure wish Z would get the right hand drive going. Seems like he just throws up wild shots to the left if the defense is solid … no thought to go right . Or pass out when they wall you off left. Defenses adjusting. Guard left when he drives lol. Come on Z! Develop that right hand

  18. You hit the nail on the head. Z is not a closer, he is too one dimensional and lacks shot making skills outside of drives to the bucket. Trey is a great shooter, but in crunch time, the opposing teams seem to be able to keep him from getting open and closing. No one else is consistent enough to take over a game at the end. The rookies are fine for rookies. Fears needs to be able to shoot better. He does ok when open from the outside, and ok on drives. Everyones seems to believe that he will develop in shooting, but until then, he is just a role player. And queen is great at passing, and ok driving past the other bigs. But he is just not a closer yet. And when you have over $60 million tied up on two guards that aren't part of your future, what can you do?

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