The New Orleans Pelicans have slowly crept into a dark horse contender status in the West. But could one glaring stat be a cause for concern?
The Pelicans appear headed for a guaranteed playoff spot and have an outside shot at homecourt advantage as the season enters its final stretch.
Through 75 games, the Pels sport a 45-30 record and have a one-game lead over the Phoenix Suns. However, New Orleans’ last loss came in a very familiar fashion against those same Suns.
The New Orleans Pelicans May Have A Fourth Quarter Problem
The Pelicans lost to the Suns on Monday 124-111 at Smoothie King Center.
The result Monday was the latest example of what’s been a season-long trend for New Orleans. For the 20th time this season, the Pelicans entered the fourth quarter of that contest behind, trailing 103-90. And for the 20th time this season, they lost a game in which their opponents led entering the fourth.
New Orleans has yet to mount a single fourth-quarter comeback when coming from behind to start the final 12 minutes.
In all fairness to the Pelicans, their last three losses have all come without Brandon Ingram — the team’s premier shot creator — due to a lingering knee injury. Prior to Ingram’s injury, the team had won seven of their last nine games. Getting Ingram back will certainly boost their chances to break the brutal streak.
The team also deserves credit for being ahead in 52 of their 75 games (with 3 ties) so far when entering the fourth quarter. But given how the Pelicans will be facing top-tier teams in a deep Western Conference once the postseason begins, they’re more than likely to find themselves behind in the fourth at some point.
H/T NBA Reddit