Pelicans Defense Sparked Four-Game Win Streak

The New Orleans Pelicans can point to a stifling defense and credit rookie Herb Jones for their current four-game win streak.

Kyle T. Mosley | Mar 5, 2022

Pelicans Defense Sparked Four-Game Win Streak /

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HOUSTON, TX - A ferocious defense has been the key factor for the New Orleans Pelicans outscoring their opponents by an average of 26.75 points per game during their four-game win streak.

Herb Jones' tenacity while defending the adversary's best player has heavily contributed to those victories over the Suns, Lakers, Kings, and Jazz.

Pelicans Defensive Spark

Pels Tough Defense and Rookie Herb Jones

Mar 4, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) steals the ball from Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) in the second half at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

"Herb is unbelievable. I'm super proud of him, the way he gets better. Every day, the way he works, his approach to the game." C-F Willy Hernangomez excitedly noted. "Herb should be in the conversation for Rookie of the Year, honestly."

Coach Green on the Team's Execution and Effort

Coach Willie Green — Mar 4, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green gestures to his players in the second half against the Utah Jazz at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Coach Green pointed back to the All-Star break when his staff had a chance to re-evaluate the team and implement the current defensive strategy for the Pelicans.

"Once we had the break, it gave us some time to kind of go back to the drawing board and see what we can do better. Especially defensively. We knew offensively, and we had a chance to be okay. But if we can get stops. If we can get five more stops, seven more stops throughout the course of the game, was more offensive possessions for us," Green said.

These Pelicans are aggressive, consistent, and focused. Perhaps more important, they are listening and buying into coach Green's gameplan.

Pelicans Annoying and Swarming Defense Helps the Offense

Pelicans Swarm Conley — Mar 4, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley (11) nearly loses the ball to New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) in the second half at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

The Zion-less Pelicans' evolution as a defensive force will provide more offensive opportunities for Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum. Tonight, Pelicans offense controlled the tempo and Ingram scored a team-high 29 points.

CJ McCollum is blossoming as the team's floor general in New Orleans and recorded 25 points while demolishing the Jazz.

The big man, center Jonas Valanciunas, only had 4 points on the evening.

The physical style of play will continue to be the Pelicans' game plan. Herb Jones added, "It's fun. I love to compete. I show up every day." The rookie is evolving into one of the best defenders in the NBA. I love "getting some defensive plays. It gets the energy going," Jones remarked.

If the Pelicans defense could continue to keep the upcoming rivals' offenses out of sync, then the current playoff will be exciting for the fans as well as the team.

Brandon Ingram noted, "Willie [Coach Green] always has a positive message every single day...After the All-Star break, everybody looks comfortable in their role...we have to continue to stay consistent in our approach."

The New Orleans defensive strategy and chemistry are two significant reasons why they have a chance to earn a postseason berth into the Western Conference playoffs.

The Lakers have a four-game losing streak and the Pelicans are now a half game behind for the No. 9 spot.

Coach Green has molded a motivated and thrilling young team that no top-seeded club would want to face in the playoffs.

We shall see.

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Published Mar 5, 2022

KYLE T. MOSLEY

Kyle T. Mosley