Tue, 05 May 2026 05:04:23 +0000

Jazz Clutch or Pelicans Collapse? The Hidden Stats That Shocked Fans The 2023–2024 NBA season has left fans and analysts scrambling, with two teams standing out not for momentum or defense, but for a startling collapse that defied expectations: the Houston Pelicans and the Indiana Jazz Clutch. While the Pelicans’ slide into deep playoff frustration stunned many, there’s another player in this story—the underappreciated statistical fallout that revealed a crumbling foundation. Behind the headlines of missed shots and friction lies a set of eye-opening numbers that reveal just how fragile both franchises truly are—and why “Pelicans Collapse” might be the truest label, even if unexpected. ### The Pelicans: From Dark Horse to Dramatic Fall When the Houston Pelicans stormed into the playoffs in the 2022–2023 season, they were talked about as contenders. Led by stars like Nikola Vucevic and a late-season surge fueled by James Harden and a reinvigorated bench, they embodied optimism. But 2023–2024 told a different tale—a collapse steeped in inconsistency and flawed execution.