After 139-123 Clippers Loss, Grading Every Pelicans Player as Reserves Dominate

Big numbers, team defeat

Murphy led New Orleans with 26 points, while Williamson and Fears each scored 25. Williamson made all nine of his field-goal attempts, and Murphy added seven rebounds and three assists.

The Pelicans nevertheless lost by 16. Their turnovers, disadvantage in three-point attempts and points in the paint, and the Clippers’ bench advantage added up to another difficult team performance.

Stars show strengths, concerns

Murphy shot 9 of 17 and made four threes. His offense was productive, though his defensive impact was less evident. Williamson added seven free throws to his nine field goals, but took only nine shots in 31 minutes and had four rebounds. He has not attempted a three-pointer since the home loss to Denver. Fears shot 10 of 14, including three threes, and recorded six rebounds, five assists and two steals, but his playmaking and pick-and-roll defense remain concerns.

Rotation players struggle to shift game

Matkovic had three points, three rebounds and five fouls in 19 minutes. Mathurin scored six points in nine minutes, while Watford finished with five points, three rebounds and a minus-16 rating in 17 minutes.

Bey scored 13 points but made only one of six three-point attempts. Jones had four points, no rebounds and a team-worst minus-23 in 20 minutes. Queen added eight points, five rebounds and three assists, but committed four turnovers.

Murray’s minutes, wider questions

Murray recorded six points on 1-of-6 shooting and had three assists in 28 minutes. New Orleans outscored Los Angeles by four points with him on the floor, even as the Pelicans lost the game.

The article contrasts Murray’s slower approach with Fears’ aggressiveness, but its final thought about how the Pelicans have handled that difference is cut off. After winning four straight, New Orleans has now lost two in a row and stands at 4-6.