The New Orleans Pelicans began their season Wednesday night with a new head coach, a revamped roster, and the promise of a different approach to winning basketball.

Three hours later, they were right back where they started.

New Orleans' 123-120 loss to the Indiana Pacers was entertaining, competitive, and painfully familiar. The Pelicans led by 10 at halftime, carried a six-point advantage into the fourth quarter, and still had opportunities to win in the closing minutes.

Some will be encouraged by how close the Pelicans came to winning. But the final margin only hides a more troubling reality: little has changed .

Pelicans lost because of the same problems that have undermined this franchise for years

An offense dependent on individual talent rather than consistent execution. A defense that struggles to contain dribble penetration and protect the paint. A roster still lacking enough perimeter shooting to consistently stretch opposing defenses.

Those weren't opening-night surprises.…