Here’s a harsh reality for the New Orleans Pelicans: their inability to control the boards is costing them games. And it’s about to get even tougher with the New York Knicks—led by rebounding machine Mitchell Robinson—rolling into town. Let’s rewind to Saturday night’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns, where the Pelicans’ struggles were on full display. Late in the first quarter, the Suns grabbed four offensive rebounds in a single possession—a jaw-dropping sequence that summed up the Pelicans’ weekend woes. Over two consecutive losses to the Suns, the Pelicans were outhustled on the glass, surrendering 12 offensive rebounds in the first half on Friday and a staggering 18 on Saturday. That’s not just a stat—it’s a trend that’s becoming impossible to ignore.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this simply a matter of effort, or is there a deeper systemic issue at play?** Trey Murphy III put it bluntly: “Just get the damn ball. There is no real practice for it. Just get the ball. Simple as that.” Yet, simplicity doesn’t always translate to execution. Despite improving in the second half of both games—allowing just six and four offensive rebounds, respectively—the damage was already done. Phoenix capitalized on those early second-chance opportunities, scoring 30 points off offensive rebounds on Saturday alone.
Zion Williamson didn’t mince words: “In that first half, they killed us. When you look at the end of the game, those are the small nuances that affect the game.” He’s right. In the NBA, where margins are razor-thin, failing to secure rebounds—especially against teams like the Knicks, who rank fourth in offensive rebounding (14.1 per game)—can be fatal. Mitchell Robinson, a Chalmette High alum returning to his hometown, averages a league-best 4.7 offensive rebounds per game. His eight-rebound performance against the Cavaliers on Christmas Day is a stark reminder of what the Pelicans are up against.
And this is the part most people miss: The Pelicans’ rebounding woes aren’t new. Since Jonas Valanciunas’ departure, the team has lacked a dominant presence on the boards. Interim coach James Borrego acknowledges this, emphasizing the need for a “rebound by committee” approach. “We don’t have one guy that’s going to go gobble up every rebound,” he said. “It’s going to have to be a collective effort.” But is that enough against a player like Robinson, who thrives on individual dominance?
The Pelicans’ 3-game losing streak comes on the heels of a 5-game winning streak, leaving fans and players alike scratching their heads. “We’re not happy at all,” Murphy admitted. “We don’t feel like this losing streak is us.” Yet, until they address their rebounding issues, it’s hard to see them turning things around. The Knicks’ visit on Monday night isn’t just another game—it’s a test of whether the Pelicans can fix their most glaring weakness.
Here’s the million-dollar question: Can the Pelicans rally together to outmuscle the Knicks, or will they continue to be outworked on the glass? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. One thing’s certain: the battle for the boards will decide their fate.
