Willie Green raises serious questions about free throw disparity between Pelicans and Lakers during play-in game

Zion Williamson was sidelined during the Lakers game due to a left hamstring issue.

Willie Green raises serious questions about free throw disparity between Pelicans and Lakers during play-in game

Willie Green

In the play-in tournament on Wednesday, the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans played a close game. The Lakers won 106-110 to eliminate the Pelicans from the playoff race.

Zion Williamson scored 40 points on an incredible performance, but he was limited in his options since he had to leave the game due to injury. Unable to contain his anger over the outcome, Pelican’s head coach Willie Green accused the officials of favoritism, since they had given them far too few whistles. Given that the game was especially important, the Pelicans’ defeat to the Lakers marked the first scene of a sharp punch at the officials from Willie Green.

Speaking with the media following the game, Green was careful to point out that they consistently received the fewest whistles and the polarity for free throws that they’re awarded but should have been granted more.

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I don't feel like we have gotten a great whistle all season. That's how I feel watching the games. We are one of the teams that dominate the paint night in and night out, we have a physical dominant force in Zion, along with others. And it just seems like we are not getting those calls.
Willie Green said

Statmuse data shows that the Lakers made 29 free throws compared to the Pelicans’ 15, highlighting a clear difference in foul calls. The Pelicans were called for 23 fouls, while the Lakers had only 12, supporting Green’s disappointment.

Willie Green’s undisclosed contract extension has the potential to brighten the Pelicans’ future

As the team’s head coach, Willie Green has done a fantastic job. Sam Amick of The Athletics recently revealed that Green’s contract has a couple more years left on it, something that was not included in the original agreement. Given his current reputation in the locker room, which makes him far more deserving than anybody else, the Pelicans should have a bright future with him on their roster.

After three seasons, the Pelicans have only improved and had a higher winning percentage each season. Green was appointed head coach of the squad in 2021-22, which concluded the season with just 36 wins. Compared to the previous season, they had 42 wins in the 2022–2023 campaign, and as of right now, they had 49 wins at the end of the current campaign.

The New Orleans Pelicans had a fantastic season, and their playoff exit shouldn’t define their overall success. Green has the potential to make improvements next season, so they should have faith in him.

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