The New Orleans Pelicans finished the 2023-24 season with the sixth-rated defense (111.9) in the NBA for the second straight season. In Game Two, the Pelicans were confronted with the center conundrum that has reared its ugly had at different times; Jonas Valanciunas may be their most effective one-on-one scoring option, but he's just as exploitable on the defensive end. Despite scoring the first 11 points for the Pels, the Thunder repeatedly targeted Valanciunas, forcing the plodding center to guard in space. Through two playoff games, the Pelicans have allowed an atrocious 124.8 defensive rating with Valanciunas on the floor.
It was a night filled with miscommunication, mental lapses and poor execution from the Pelicans.
Lu Dort and others had triggered something in OKC’s 124-92 Game 2 win Wednesday night against New Orleans as the Thunder took a 2-0 series lead.
No | Player | P |
---|---|---|
15 | PG | |
21 | PG | |
11 | PG | |
24 | SG | |
33 | SF | |
14 | SF | |
5 | SF | |
32 | PF | |
8 | SF | |
3 | SG | |
25 | SF | |
22 | PF | |
50 | PF | |
37 | SF | |
0 | SG | |
17 | C | |
1 | PF | |
40 | C |