If not for a series of late field goals by the visitors whose outcome was long decided Friday, New Orleans would have become the first opponent to contain second-ranked Indiana’s dynamic and overloaded attack under 100 points this season. Instead, the Pelicans defense “settled” for a 129-102 victory – yet another emphatic demonstration of how stingy they can be on that end of the floor.
For the second straight season, New Orleans (36-25, fifth in the Western Conference) ranks sixth in the NBA in defensive efficiency, one of the main reasons the Pelicans have posted a record wins in 2022-23 and are a half-dozen wins away from doing it again.
Indiana All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton personified how great New Orleans’ defense was Friday, going scoreless on 0/7 shooting. The league leader in assists dished out just three against the Pelicans.
“I thought we did a good job protecting him,” wing starter Herb Jones said after Sunday’s practice. “I tried to pick it up all over the court and the team was super aggressive trying to imitate his three, his iso ball. We have done a good job in this regard.
New Orleans’ defense ranks No. 1 in three-point percentage allowed (34.6), second in steals (8.3 per game), fifth in paint points allowed (47.1), seventh in free throw attempts allowed (21.8) and 10th in fast break attempts. break points allowed (13.6). These are all areas of focus when the Pelicans practice and prepare for games.
“Our goals are to take away transitions and easy opportunities, paint opportunities,” third-year head coach Willie Green said Sunday. “If we can win free throws, easy baskets, scores, we think we can compete at a high rate all the way to the three-point line.”
“We don’t want people to make layups,” Jones said. “I don’t think any (defense) team wants you in the paint. We try to go out and contest a lot of threes that we give up. I guess that’s why our defense is ranked pretty high.
When asked what he thought about the Pelicans’ defensive ranking of sixth in consecutive seasons, Jones responded matter-of-factly: “I hope we get to No. 1.” This will be the goal in mind. I don’t think anyone would agree with sixth place.
Other notes from Sunday’s practice, the first of consecutive practice days:
New Orleans had played six games in nine days after the All-Star win until Friday’s victory, a stretch that also included a major travel problem from New York to Indianapolis in the middle of a road back-to-back. Asked about the rare three-day break between games the Pelicans now enjoy before heading to Toronto on Tuesday, Green said: “The timing couldn’t be better. »…
Asked about his broader use of zone defense, Green said: “We’ve been successful at it. This takes teams out of their rhythm and pattern, and then we can compete in that zone as well. We like what it does for us and makes us look different against our opponents, and it works. …
Led consistently by Trey Murphy, Pelicans teammates have consistently asserted that Jones should be named to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team in 2023-24, mentioning him in press conferences or on social media. When his teammate’s informal campaign was brought up to Jones on Sunday, the third-year pro said, “I’m just going to leave (the All-Defense recognition) to whoever it is.” I will try to do my best for my teammates. The awards, I don’t really get caught up in those awards.
