The spin moves, dribble drives and resulting dunks get replayed non-stop on highlight reels and social media, but Zion Williamson’s blocks, steals and overall menacing presence on defense lately have been just as important during New Orleans’ three-game winning streak. The same could be said for the Pelicans in general this season – their high-octane offense generates most of the attention, but defensive improvement has been equally at the heart of their rise in the Western Conference standings.
New Orleans entered Saturday in third place among the 30 NBA teams in defensive efficiency, allowing just 108.1 points per 100 possessions. Not bad for a club many analysts projected would be pleased with even a top-15 status in that category (the Pelicans were 18th last season, at 112.0).
“You didn’t think we’d be third?” smiling guard CJ McCollum rhetorically asked a reporter who broached the subject after Saturday’s practice.
Comentários