The New Orleans Pelicans played the worst scoring team in the NBA Saturday.
You wouldn’t have known it by looking at the Barclays Center scoreboard.
The Pelicans lost to the Brooklyn Nets 119-101.
It was the sixth consecutive loss for the Pelicans (3-21). The Pelicans have now had three different 6-game losing streaks this season.
This one came against a Brooklyn team that was averaging just 109 points per game, which ranks 30th in the league. The Nets hit the 109 mark with 5:09 remaining in a game they led by as many as 28 points.
Trey Murphy led the Pelicans with 23 points, five rebounds and five assists.
It wasn’t nearly enough to overcome a slow star. The Pelicans trailed 35-24 at the end of the first quarter and 62-44 at the break.
“It really starts with our defense,” said Pelicans’ interim coach James Borrego. “We’ve got to find ways to start games with a physical edge. Obviously, it’s my job to get them there.”
Michael Porter Jr. scored 35 to lead the Nets (6-17), who have won three of their last four games. Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton recorded a triple double with 14 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
Borrego wasn’t pleased with the defense and was surprised by the offense’s struggles.
“I thought we would get out and run and do some more things,” Borrego said. “Maybe when you’re bleeding defensively, it affects the offensive end. In general, our offense was stagnant, too.”
Saddiq Bey scored 18 points to go with five rebounds and Bryce McGowens finished with 16 points. Jose Alvarado, playing in his hometown in front of about 50 friends and family members, had nine points and six assists.
The Pelicans return home to play the San Antonio Spurs on Monday.