Not Enough Star Power Results in Pels' Loss

Chrissy Smith • January 8, 2023

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DALLAS -- Missing their three top scorers proved to be too much to overcome for the New Orleans Pelicans as they lost 127-117 to the Dallas Mavericks.

With CJ McCollum (rest), Brandon Ingram (toe), and Zion Williamson (hamstring) missing Saturday’s game, the remaining starters and second-string kept the game competitive, but it was obvious Dallas was in control from the beginning.

The three-ball was a problem for the Pelicans as Dallas finished 13-of-29, while New Orleans was just 5-of-29 for an underwhelming 17%. Although the Pels got several good looks, there was a hesitancy to many of the shots, which threw off the rhythm and resulted in misses.

Mavericks star Luca Doncic finished with a triple double scoring 34 points, having 10 rebounds and 10 assists. He also was on the receiving end of many self-sold fouls, but that didn’t decide the game.

On the positive side for the Pelicans, the ever-steady Jonas Valanciunas led the way on the offensive end scoring 25 points. Naji Marshall was right behind him with 24 points, and Herb Jones scored 18 points.

The Pelicans (24-15) now continue their road trip, playing against the Washington Wizards (17-23) on Monday, Jan. 9 at 6 pm. 


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Pelicans @ Nuggets Takeaways

By Chrissy Smith • October 30, 2025
Team Stats (Pelicans at Nuggets) Final Score: 88-122 Rebounds: 36-57 Assists: 17-40 Steals: 9-5 Blocks: 3-5 Turnovers: 12-14 Stat Leaders Scoring Leaders: Jeremiah Fears, 21; Nikola Jokić, 21 Rebound Leaders: Trey Murphy III, 7; Nikola Jokić, 12 Assist Leaders: Jeremiah Fears, 6; Nikola Jokić, 10 My Player of the Game: Jeremiah Fears Chrissy's Key Takeaways * The starters for this game were Fears, Murphy III, Jones, Zion, and Deandre Jordan. So that was different, and it didn't work at all. * With most of the third quarter over, Zion had five total points in the game. He finished with 11. * The Nuggets went on a 32-4 run in the third quarter. The Pelicans came out very slow to start off the third. * New Orleans went 7-of-33 from the three-point line. * Nikola Jokić had a triple-double. The Pelicans had no answer for him all night. * Do the Pelicans know that the season has started because the majority of the guys out there look like they still think they're playing Summer League. * The problem with this team isn't the talent because they have that. So what's the problem? Coaching, effort, etc.? This has to be fixed ASAP. Follow @TheKneaux on X, and follow me there too, @SportsChrissy.

Celtics @ Pelicans Takeaways

By Chrissy Smith • October 28, 2025
Team Stats (Celtics at Pelicans) Final Score: 122-90 Rebounds: 54-35 Assists: 25-17 Steals: 5-7 Blocks: 7-0 Turnovers: 11-13 Stat Leaders Scoring Leaders: Anfernee Simons, 25; Jordan Poole, 22 Rebound Leaders: Neemias Queta, 11; Yves Miss, 7 Assist Leaders: Payton Prichard, 8; Trey Murphy, III, 5 My Player of the Game: Jordan Poole Chrissy's Key Takeaways * The first two losses of the season were tough but at least the team looked good. In this game, no one looked fired up to compete except Jordan Poole and Jose Alvarado. * Zion did not play because he's been spending all offseason getting in shape just so he could rest after two games. Makes no sense to me. * Trey Murphy and Herb Jones need to find their spark and stride. These guys have been putting in a ton of work in the offseason but it isn't showing right now. * Willie Green has got to be on a short leash because this 0-3 start feels like the team is just picking up where they left off except this time they're healthy and have all the momentum in the world. * The next three games for the Pelicans will be on the road against Denver, Clippers, and Thunder . Follow @TheKneaux on X, and follow me there too, @SportsChrissy.
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