“They played so much harder. Really, I’m just disappointed in how we approached the game. “It’s almost like the basketball gods (said) down the stretch, ‘Yeah, you don’t deserve it. ’”It was the third consecutive game in which the Sixers fell behind by double digits in the first half, though they had rallied to defeat the Clippers and the Knicks. Also Read“We put no defense into the game until the second half, and we had to go zone to do that, ” Rivers said. “We put no pressure into the ball. They literally went wherever they wanted to go.
The Pels have struggled with their star out of the lineup, winning just three games in their last 11 games. They're coming off of a win against the depleted Chicago Bulls, improving their record to 24-31. The Timberwolves have been struggling this season to a similar degree, posting a 25-29 record. They're currently on a three-game losing streak and have been dreadful on the road, winning just eight games all season. The Timberwolves didn't buy at the deadline and they didn't sell. Then they dropped another ugly one at Orlando. They just seem to be wandering in the wilderness right now. — Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) February 8, 2019 Both the Pelicans and the Timberwolves have been underperformers thus far in 2019.
“I took the challenge on. ”Williamson scored New Orleans’ last 14 points in the final 2:44, producing a 119-118 victory. The Pelicans will seek their fifth consecutive victory when they host the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night. Also Read“I didn’t say anything to (Williamson), ” coach Willie Green said. “I think that’s just who he is.... He understands the moment and he made big plays after big plays. That’s what great players do. “It’s incredible. His touch when he gets down the lane, with two or three guys hanging on him, and he’s still able to find the glass. He does a great job of trying to find his teammates as well. It’s a luxury for us to have a player like Z. ”Williamson, who missed the last three games before Wednesday because of COVID-19 protocol, has helped the Pelicans forge a tie with Denver atop the Western Conference even though second-leading scorer Brandon Ingram has missed the last 15 games because of a toe injury.