New Orleans Pelicans’ two biggest flaws exposed vs. Los Angeles Clippers

The New Orleans Pelicans were dismantled by the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night, showcasing the team’s two biggest flaws in the process.

The New Orleans Pelicans already defeated the Los Angeles Clippers earlier in the season in what was Paul George‘s season debut but could not handle the team on the road when both George and Kawhi Leonard were playing.

While it was far-fetched to believe that the Pelicans would outright defeat the Clippers, it did not seem all that improbable that the team would at least keep pace with Los Angeles. That was not that case as they were handed their worst loss of the season, losing 134-109.

Ironically, it was not Leonard or George that led this game for the Clippers. Instead, it was the second unit of Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams. Harrell was particularly impressive, scoring 34 points with 12 rebounds and a pair of blocks in just 28 minutes of play.

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Harrell’s tremendous night showcased one of the New Orleans Pelicans’ biggest flaws. Most would say the Pelicans’ biggest flaw is defense, which is true, but it happens for these specific reasons.

The team simply lacks size. With both Derrick Favors and Zion Williamson out, who were slated to be the starting center and power forward, respectively, the Pelicans have no answer near the rim. Jahlil Okafor has been out as well and is just making his return, making matters even worse for New Orleans.

Thus, the team has turned to rookie Jaxson Hayes to be the starting center and he simply is not ready. They also have to play small and start Brandon Ingram at the four, which despite his length, is not a great outlook.

Hayes started with a rusty Okafor and a Nicolo Melli providing the only size off the bench. The numbers don’t lie, this has been a disaster for New Orleans.

Harrell’s strong night down low is just the start. The Clippers outrebounded the Pelicans 56 to 45 and outscored New Orleans in the paint. Because of the size difference, New Orleans was forced to stretch the floor and take a lot of threes, which has happened all year, and tonight they did not hit them, making just 31.7 percent.

This is a team that ranks 18th in total rebounds and 22nd in opponents’ rebounds per game. Most importantly, New Orleans allows the second-most points in the paint per game at 52.5, only the Charlotte Hornets are worse at 53.2.

The other huge issue, which again, is caused by being forced to take more jump shots, is the massive difference in free throw shooting.

The Clippers went to the line 33 times in this game, making 26 attempts. Meanwhile, the Pelicans found themselves at the line just 18 times, making only 10 attempts.

This has been another huge issue for the Pelicans as the team ranks 25th in free throws made per game (15.6) and 27th in free-throw percentage (72.6 percent). Meanwhile, the Pelicans have allowed the third-most free throws per game (21.4).

Kawhi Leonard alone had as many free throws made in this game than the entire New Orleans Pelicans had. That is an issue.