Opinion
3 min read

Can the Pelicans Soar Above the Mavericks at American Airlines Center?

As the New Orleans Pelicans prepare to face off against the Dallas Mavericks, fans are buzzing with anticipation. The upcoming clash at American Airlines Center is poised to be a spectacle of skill and strategy. The Pelicans, coming off a mixed bag of recent performances, have shown both resilience and areas for improvement that could influence their next game.


PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 28: CJ McCollum #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots a free throw during the game before the game against the Phoenix Suns on October 28, 2022 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images)

In their last outing on January 13 against the Denver Nuggets, NOP scored an impressive 113 points but ultimately fell short as they conceded 125. Despite this loss, there were positive takeaways: NOP demonstrated strong offensive capabilities with a field goal percentage of 47 and a three-point shooting percentage of 39. They also showcased their playmaking skills with an impressive tally of 30 assists.


However, defensive woes were apparent as NOP allowed the Nuggets to shoot at an effective field goal percentage of 63. This could spell trouble against DAL's sharpshooters if not addressed promptly. Moreover, NOP's bench contributed significantly with 37 points but will need more support from starters to secure victories in tight contests.


Prior to this setback, NOP had been on a roll with two commanding wins over Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings where they scored an astonishing 141 and 133 points respectively. Their offensive efficiency was through the roof; they shot over half from beyond the arc against GSW and maintained high energy throughout both games which resulted in substantial leads that demoralized their opponents early on.


The key for NOP will be consistency – maintaining their high-octane offense while tightening up defensively. With players capable of explosive scoring runs and creating opportunities for others, it's crucial that they find balance on both ends of the floor.


Looking ahead to January 13th’s game against DAL in Dallas at American Airlines Center set for a tip-off at 7:30 PM CT – it’s clear that if NOP can replicate their offensive prowess while shoring up defensively, they stand a good chance of overcoming any challenge posed by DAL. Fans eager to catch every moment can tune into BSNO channel number 676-4 for away broadcast coverage or BSSW channel number 676 if cheering from home territory.

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