The scoreboard may be showing the final result in Miami, but Thursday night’s game was overshadowed by a larger tragedy that has rocked the New Orleans community.
Even though they wanted to end a disappointing series against the Miami Heat, the New Orleans Pelicans found themselves preoccupied with the devastating events that occurred in the early hours of the New Year in New Orleans. A horrific incident involving a truck resulted in a shooting on the famous Bourbon Street, killing at least 15 people and injuring many others.
“Devastated,” Pelicans head coach Willie Green said before the game. “Our hearts, prayers and thoughts go out to the families affected by this senseless act of violence. »
The Pelicans faced the Heat at Kaseya Center, ultimately losing 119–108 and extending their losing streak to 11 games, tying the second-longest losing streak in franchise history. This match was overshadowed by the weight of tragedy.
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“Sometimes it’s difficult to approach a basketball game when reality hits so hard, with events bigger than the game itself taking center stage,” Green noted after the game. “Yet we owe it to ourselves and those watching us to deliver on the pitch. »
Forward Trey Murphy showed his determination by scoring 25 of his 34 points in the first half, putting the Pelicans within shooting range at halftime, trailing just 56-51. However, on a night like this, the personal stats looked hopeless. The sad reality is that lives were lost in their hometown.
“We live in difficult times, uncertain of our safety, even in familiar places,” Green said. “This is a devastating reality for the affected families, and one can only imagine the challenges they will face in the future. »
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Before the match, the Heat observed a minute of silence in tribute to the victims. Miami head coach Eric Spoelstra also shared his feelings with the media, calling the situation “horrible” and expressing a shared sense of fear, hoping the tragedy would be made clearer.
Throughout the day, several Pelicans players took to social media to express their condolences. Zion Williamson posted on »
Green received the alarming news on his phone, initially a New Year’s message from his father, which turned into a call to prayer for the people of New Orleans.
“It’s often difficult to reconcile such heavy topics with sport,” Green reflects candidly. “It is alarming to see frequent violence ravaging our country. When tragedy hits so close to home, it has a different effect. This is a persistent problem across our country and even globally, which reminds us that there are many other issues beyond the field. We have a responsibility, and finding that balance can be difficult. »
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Pelicans focus on New Orleans after tragic attack as they prepare for game
The Pelicans will look to focus when they return home to host the Washington Wizards this Friday.
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