Strong points
- Herbert Jones made an incredible block against Paul George, showcasing his athleticism and defensive tenacity.
- Paul George sees similarities between himself and Herbert Jones in terms of defensive instincts and athleticism on the wing.
- Jones may not have eye-catching stats, but his enthusiasm and impact extend beyond box scoring, making him invaluable to the Pelicans’ success.
Paul Georges got a clear look at a three-point basket at the top of the arc early in the third quarter. At least that’s what he thought. After Kawhi Leonard made the extra pass to give George a supposedly wide-open triple, New Orleans Pelicans wing Herbert Jones came out of nowhere for a tremendous closing block on the Los Angeles Clippers three-point shot attempt from the forward and finished at the other end with an easy two-handed flush.
This is a near impossible play from Jones. He was still in the restricted area when George was almost ready to take off. This sequence embodies Jones’ game very well. Not only did he show off his insane athleticism in rising for that impossible peak, he also showed off the hustle and defensive tenacity that he provides to the Pelicans every night.
After having the full Herb Jones experience, George had nothing but respect to show for the 25-year-old’s game. In fact, the All-Star forward revealed that he sees a lot of himself in the Pelicans’ defensive group.
“Defensive strengths, his instincts and the God-given ability to be athletic on the wing. And he wants to protect everyone… he wants to take the best matchups. In many ways, he reminds me of myself.” — Paul George on Herbert Jones, via Law Murray of The Athletic.
George also said he couldn’t believe Jones was able to make his shot and revealed he had never experienced that before in his career.
Jones not only got George involved, but he and his team also had the last laugh as the Pelicans 40-26 defeated the Clippers 42-24, 112-104, to move closer to Los Angeles in the Western Conference standings . Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with a monster 34-point outing.
“Definitely First Team All-Defense”: Willie Green on Herbert Jones
The heart and soul of the Pelicans
Jones finished Friday’s game with seven points, five rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. These numbers may not stand out. But the score doesn’t do justice to what Jones means to New Orleans – his impact goes far beyond that.
It’s those scramble sequences like he had against PG13 that show his value to New Orleans. After the victory, Pelicans head coach Willie Green echoed the same sentiments and emphatically stated that Jones should be the first team defense.
“Herb has been one of our most consistent, stable and talented players throughout the season…Having him on our team is a true blessing. They just don’t make a lot of guys like him… in every match and plays with all his heart.”
Jones’ athletic gifts and defensive chops are certainly akin to those of a young PG13 when he burst onto the scene with the Pacers. He may not be a household name, but Herbert Jones is one of the main reasons the Pelicans are soaring and peaking at the right time heading into the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
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