The Grizzlies are on a four-game winning streak after Morant's return, and the Grizzlies beat the Pelicans twice during that four-game winning streak. The Pelicans were killed once and lost in overtime today.
In today's home game against the Grizzlies, the Pelicans took the initiative for most of the time, almost exactly like the last game. But in the final moments, the Pelicans wasted a series of chances and were sent into overtime by Jackson Jr.
In overtime, the Pelicans were demoralized and were eventually defeated by their opponents.
The Pelicans are a three-star team. Ingram, Williamson, and our protagonist CJ McCollum make up the team's attacking line. Ingram and Williamson had obvious problems in this game, but they didn't pull down in terms of scoring, and they stepped up to finish when the team needed it.
McCollum fell into a slump in this game, with 14 shots in exchange for 16 points, and McCollum missed two free throws at a critical moment in overtime to give the team no hope of chasing the score.
As a star, key battles are often sluggish.
If you're a fan of the Trail Blazers, you should be impressed by watching McCollum's game. McCollum's form has become shaky in key games, often slumping or pulling his hips, and this is not the first time in recent years that this has happened.
To put it mildly, McCollum's poor play is hurting the New Orleans Pelicans severely.
The Pelicans have reached the playoff level in recent seasons, relying on the team's existing three-star combination and a group of role players who can play, not to mention becoming a championship-level powerhouse, at least competitive.
The Pelicans have made the play-in tournament in the last three years. It's a pity that he always loses at critical moments, and McCollum "deserves a lot of credit".
Last season, for example, ended last season with the Pelicans in eighth place in the West. They qualify for at least two play-in tournaments, and a win against the Pelicans to make the playoffs doesn't seem too difficult.
However, in Game 1 against the Timberwolves, Ingram carried the team forward alone, and McCollum was completely invisible. At the critical moment, he failed to score an empty basket, was stealed and layup in the backcourt, was directly blocked by the opponent, and missed two free throws. McCollum can avoid one or two of them, and the Pelicans won't necessarily lose on the road.
With Williamson out injured in the play-offs last season, McCollum, the team's No. 2, should have stepped up to share the pressure on Ingram. In the do-or-die game against the Thunder, McCollum scored 14 points on 5-of-15 shooting from the field. Not to mention that the offense did not help the team, the defense was infinitely targeted by the Thunder.
The Pelicans missed the playoffs last season, and McCollum bears a lot of responsibility.
Recently, McCollum has fallen into a slump again, and as long as he plays a key game or a hard match, McCollum can always bring some surprises to the fans.
For example, against the Rockets, the two teams were close in strength, and the Pelicans also maintained the lead most of the time at home. McCollum's outrageous three-point shots at key moments ruined the team's hopes of winning.
In his first meeting with the Grizzlies, McCollum didn't contribute in the final quarter and watched his team be eliminated by their opponents.
The playoffs are judged to be two.
Going back in time, Trail Blazers fans should remember: McCollum's unacceptable performance in the '21 playoffs.
In that year's playoffs, the Trail Blazers faced the Nuggets, and although the Nuggets had home-court advantage, they were full of injuries. The Trail Blazers have the potential to beat their opponents.
Lillard, the leader of the team, was in excellent form, scoring high points in a row. Unfortunately, McCollum didn't help his good brother and dragged his feet, averaging less than 21 points per game in the '21 playoffs. Compared with the regular season, the decline is obvious, and the shooting percentage is only 439%。
McCollum wasted a lot of open shooting opportunities in the game, and was chased by Nuggets guard Doc Rivers on the defensive end.
In the '22 playoffs against the Suns, Ingram averaged 27 points per game. Although McCollum averaged 22 points per game, he shot less than 40% from the field, and in the last two games, McCollum almost sleepwalked, and his offense and defense were all targeted by opponents.
Why did McCollum slump when it came to the key game?In fact, aside from the mentality factor, McCollum's technical characteristics have been decided.
McCollum is a dexterous scorer with average physical fitness and weak counter-attacking ability. When he has a good hand, he can use the projection to give the opponent a precise strike, and once the opponent increases the intensity in the crunch time or in the playoffs, it is difficult to create opportunities with McCollum's body. He will play 1 passive.
In the past two years, as he has aged, McCollum's breakthrough speed has also dropped significantly. Now facing a high-intensity defence, McCollum is finding it increasingly difficult to create chances.
The Pelicans should consider dropping CJ
If the Pelicans are truly bold, they should make an obvious choice — try trading or ditch McCollum.
Currently, the team has young and defensively talented Daniels in the back line. Alvarado can also provide plenty of firepower and defensive aggressiveness for the team. McCollum's inability to score consistently on the floor is bound to be a huge defensive hole.
The Pelicans should deal with McCollum as soon as possible if they want to do well. What do you think, readers?