In the run-up to the NBA regular season, every game is like a showdown, with teams fighting for playoff qualification.
For the Pelicans, that period has been a string of setbacks. At one point, they overtook the Clippers, who occupy an enviable fourth spot in the Western Conference standings.
Fans cheered on their performance and were confident in the prospects of the playoffs. The twist of fate came so suddenly and cruelly.
The shadow of a losing streak loomed over them, eclipsing their original ambitions.
Every defeat on the court is like a sharp knife that pierces the hearts of the team and the fans, full of worries and anxieties about their playoff prospects.
Every player in the squad is under a lot of pressure and every game is a huge test. Not only do they have to face strong defenses, but they also have to wrestle with their inner struggles.
The confidence and passion that once seemed to have faded away in the haze of consecutive defeats, replaced by hesitation and confusion.
The coaching staff tried to boost morale and adjust tactics, but the shadow of setbacks seemed to be impossible to shake off.
Everyone in the team was thinking silently, trying to find a breakthrough, but the dilemma still loomed over them.
In the hearts of the fans, hope and disappointment are mixed, and their support remains the same, but the uneasiness in their hearts grows stronger.
They silently prayed that the team could get out of the predicament as soon as possible and regain its former glory.
The Pelicans' losing streak has put the team and fans in an unprecedented crisis.
In the game after game, they seem to have fallen into a kind of decline that they cannot get rid of, and every challenge becomes a difficult test.
The shadow of defeat grew stronger in the last game against the Suns. The 111-124 loss to the Suns was already the third game the Pelicans have lost in their last four games.
The advantage over the Suns has been gradually narrowed, and the Western Conference ranking has also fallen to sixth place, leaving the team and fans feeling heavy pressure.
Every player standing on the pitch can feel the pain and frustration of the loss.
In the game, they tried their best to fight for every chance to score, but the results were always unsatisfactory.
Every defeat was like a sharp sword piercing deep into their hearts, and they couldn't help but start to doubt their own strength and the strength of the team.
For the team, the challenge is not just for a strong opponent like the Suns.
The competition in the West is staggering, and the Pelicans have to face strong playoff teams such as the Lakers, Warriors, Kings, etc.
Even in the play-offs, they face a narrow chance of winning, which makes the team's prospects even more uncertain. Booker's outstanding performance made the Pelicans even worse.
He scored 52 points in the game and once again showed his power against the Pelicans. Against such a formidable opponent, the team's challenge becomes even tougher.
And the rest of the opponents, such as the Kings, Warriors, Lakers and other playoff teams, are not easy to deal with.
Losing these games would mean they would lose their playoff chances, which put a lot of pressure and challenge on the team.
The Pelicans desperately need Ingram's return, and he's an integral part of the team. Frustratingly, he has missed several games in a row due to a bone contusion in his left knee.
Ingram's absence has created a huge challenge for the team, and his impact is not limited to performance on the field, but also to the overall atmosphere and morale of the team.
Ingram is not just a great player, he is one of the leaders of the team.
His performance on the court is not only reflected in scoring and defending, but also in his leadership and teamwork.
He has always been able to step up in key moments and lead the team out of difficult situations and win the game. His presence has made the team more stable and orderly.
On top of that, Ingram is able to bring a sense of confidence and motivation to the team.
His appearance has given his team-mates a sense of confidence that with Ingram on the field, the team will be able to overcome any odds.
His absence has left the team in a state of helplessness and confusion, and everyone has begun to doubt their own ability and the strength of the team.
For the coaching staff, Ingram's absence also means adjustments and changes in their tactical arrangement.
After all, Ingram's position is not so easy to fill, and he plays a unique role in the team.
Coaches will have to re-evaluate their team's tactical system and look for alternatives to deal with the impact of Ingram's absence.
Ingram's absence was also a heavy blow to the players.
They've gotten used to playing alongside Ingram on the field, and now they're getting used to not having him.
This will undoubtedly have a certain impact on their game form and mental quality, and it will take a while to adapt and adjust. In the hearts of fans, Ingram's absence is even more heart-wrenching and anxious.
They have always looked to Ingram as one of the core of the team, and his performances and contributions are something they are proud of and rely on.
It was heart-wrenching to see him sidelined due to injury, and they were also worried about whether the team would be able to overcome strong opponents without him.
The Pelicans coach has expressed his eagerness for Ingram's return in the face of the current predicament, which shows his confidence in the team's prospects and his belief in the players.
In his mind, Ingram's return will bring new hope and motivation to the team to turn things around. At the same time, he is also acutely aware of the current crisis.
While the Pelicans have struggled to rise for a long time, injuries have been a stumbling block for them to move forward.
This understanding not only reflects the manager's clear understanding of the current situation of the team, but also reflects his sense of responsibility and responsibility for the team.
Staying healthy became the only thing the Pelicans could do for the rest of the game. In the face of fierce competition and challenges, only staying healthy can ensure that the team performs at its best on the field.
The coach knows that only if the players are in good physical condition can they hope to do well in difficult situations and continue their playoff dreams.