Pelicans Red-Hot Three-Point Shooting Propelling Their Recent Victories

New Orleans recent success has hinged on their hot shooting from beyond the arc.

After the New Orleans Pelican's blowout loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA In-Season Tournament semifinals, they have been red-hot from beyond the arc. Since then, New Orleans has been 10-4, leading the league in three-point shooting percentage (42.3%). It's a significant catalyst for them playing some of their best basketball of the season.

The Pelicans three-point shooting has increased from 10.8 to 13.4, and attempts have slightly increased from 30.7 to 31.6 per game. Before the tournament, the Pels ranked No. 22 in the NBA on shooting 35.1% from downtown. Two of New Orleans' best players have contributed to this turnaround — CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram.

Jan 3, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) shoots the ball over Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The two leaders, McCollum and Ingram, are shooting from deep and have been remarkably better lately. Since the loss to the Lakers in early December, McCollum is shooting over 50% from three. 

Before the IST, his three-point shooting percentage was 36% — Ditto for Brandon Ingram. B.I. is shooting 46.7% from downtown, up from 29.4% previously. 

The Pels main guys aren't the only ones contributing from a long distance. In Sunday's blowout victory over the Kings, New Orleans set a franchise record with ten players hitting a three. Last season, New Orleans finished the year No. 14 in the league, shooting 36.4% from deep. 

Under Coach Willie Green, that is currently the highest ranking under his tenure as Pelicans head coach. New Orleans finished No. 27 and No. 25 in the previous two years, respectively. 

The goal for the Pelicans is to average around 40 three-point attempts per game. That mark would rank No. 5 in the league. While they still rank No. 28 in the NBA in attempts, New Orleans focuses on a quality-over-quantity approach to its long-distance shooting. 

Jan 7, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) and forward Herbert Jones (5) high five after McCollum scored against the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

"We're trusting each other. Guys are keeping the game simple," Coach Green told reporters after a recent game. "We're driving to the paint when the defense collapses, and we're kicking out and getting easy shots."

Shooting was a notable area of need for the Pelicans this past offseason. They addressed it by drafting sharpshooter Jordan Hawkins from UConn. Despite the rookie being in and out of the lineup and even doing a stint in the G League, Hawkins leads all rookies with 65 made three-pointers. 

With Trey Murphy III's return from injury, New Orleans can form formidable three-point weapons. Last season, Murphy III led the team, shooting 40% from deep for players taking at least 50 attempts.

Whether New Orleans can keep up this hot shooting remains to be seen. As the Pelicans continue to get healthy and figure out their rotations, the quality of their three-point shots can be as important as the quantity.