CJ McCollum opened up on how a loss to the Lakers in the In-Season Tournament prompted the team to figure their season out.
“The Lakers beat the snot out of us in the In-Season Tournament. It was a way for us to look in the mirror and figure out how we could be better defensively. How we can help each other, and depend on athleticism, length, and communication… If you strap up the way we strap up, you give yourself a chance to win games.”
McCollum also emphasized defense as being the identity of the Pelicans.
“The best playoff teams defend at a high level, especially in the halfcourt, and have players that can close games and score throughout, and I think we have both of those.”
"The Lakers beat the snot out of us in the In-Season Tournament… The best playoff teams defend at a high level… and they have players that can close games and score throughout and I think we have both of those." 💯@CJMcCollum speaks to the Pels' defensive intensity pic.twitter.com/HbzMeiCUol
— NBA TV (@NBATV) March 29, 2024
The Lakers and the Pelicans met in the semi-finals of the In-Season Tournament in November, and the Lakers put down a 44-point beatdown on the Pelicans. That loss exacerbated multiple issues with the Pelicans at the time, with special scrutiny on Zion Williamson and his shape.
The Pelicans were 12-11 after that loss to the Lakers. They currently sit at 45-28, going 33-17 since that loss. They have established themselves as threats in the Western Conference, currently sitting at the No. 4 seed.
The Lakers were flying high after that win over the Pelicans, following that by winning the inaugural In-Season Tournament over the Indiana Pacers. The Lakers have not had the same success as the Pelicans, currently sitting at 41-32.
This is an interesting matchup that likely won’t materialize in the playoffs. Unless the Lakers get the 8th seed and beat the No. 1 seed while the Pelicans win the 4-5 matchup to meet the Lakers in the second round, a playoff matchup is far-fetched. However, the Western Conference is very close and anything could still happen.
The Pelicans Are Peaking At The Perfect Time
The Pelicans have established themselves as one of the strongest teams in the Western Conference after their slow start to the season. They were 4-6 at a point in the season, so their season turnaround has been remarkable. They’re currently without second-leading scorer Brandon Ingram but still beat a competitive team like the Milwaukee Bucks without Ingram.
Zion Williamson‘s success has been integral to helping the Pelicans catapult up the standings. He’s averaged 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists this season, establishing himself as one of the best forwards in the NBA once again. He hasn’t suffered the same injuries that have slowed him down in previous seasons, with reports suggesting he’s finally in shape after a controversial start to the season.
The team’s rotational depth is honestly phenomenal. Herb Jones is going to be an All-Defense selection and has improved his offensive arsenal. Trey Murphy III is the ideal role-playing 3-and-D forward, while veterans like McCollum and Jonas Valuncuinas perfectly round the lineup out.
No team wants to see the Pelicans in the playoffs. If Ingram returns healthy, they stand to threaten every top team in the West.
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