Willie Green revealed his New Orleans Pelicans' side are feeling the pressure after slumping to a ninth consecutive defeat against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. 

Trae Young starred for the Hawks in their 124-112 triumph, scoring 12 points and 15 assists for his 15th double-double of the season to lead his side to a fourth-straight victory. 

De'Andre Hunter scored a team-high 22 off the bench for the Hawks, while Jalen Johnson added 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

The Pelicans were led by CJ McCollum's 29 points, one shy of his season best, with Yves Missi adding 23 points and 12 rebounds in another disappointing defeat.

Dejounte Murray played his first game against his former team after being traded to the Pelicans this offseason, but struggled on his return, scoring just seven points. 

The depleted Pelicans (4-18) have lost nine in a row overall, and 11 of 12 on the road this season, with head coach Green saying his players are frustrated by their form. 

"They're competitors, and they do feel that pressure," Green said. "They walk into every arena believing they have a chance to win and that's what we want. 

"We want guys that have a good game plan and discipline and to go out and fall in love with the competition of the game. 

"It's there, but there's frustration and there is supposed to be when you're losing games. You want to do everything you can to help your team win."

back in the SKC Thursday pic.twitter.com/dHCRG41vFY

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) December 3, 2024

New Orleans played Monday's game without Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, both nursing lower-body injuries, but did start strongly, leading 28-26 after the first quarter. 

The Pelicans' point total matched the number they scored in the entire first half on Sunday in a 118-85 defeat against the New York Knicks.

However, Green said their impressive start mattered little after throwing away their advantage, bemoaning his side's inability to keep a consistent level throughout the game. 

"I give our guys credit," Green said. "They went out with the right intentions, played hard, competed their tails off.

"But once again just coming up short and not being able to finish four quarters and finish the game with a win."

The Pelicans return home on Thursday night to face the Phoenix Suns.