How are the New Orleans Pelicans performing under pressure?

Robert Horry once said, “Pressure can burst a pipe or pressure can make a diamond”. As of right now, it appears that the Pelicans pipes are holding up just fine.

This season the Pels have experienced significant in-game pressure. Whether due to falling behind early or playing in a tight fourth quarter, they have had little time to relax.

But is this such a bad thing?

In 6 of the Pelicans 11 wins this season they have headed into the second quarter trailing their opponent. Recent wins against the Spurs and Thunder demonstrate how well the Pelicans can play when down early, with the risk of the game getting out of hand.

Furthermore, when the Pelicans are down they demonstrate an uncharacteristic ability to lock in and knock down threes, boasting a 41% shooting percentage from three-point range when down six or more points. Whereas, when playing with the lead, the Pels are shooting a mere 29.1% from beyond the arc.

It appears the Pelicans simply play better when behind, with the added pressure of having to keep the game close. Once the game hits the final five minutes the Pels are often right back in it. Ready to play some more high-pressure minutes down the stretch.

But how are the Pelicans fairing in these clutch games?

Well, first it’s important to acknowledge that the Pelicans have picked up a number of good habits this season. But primarily the Pels ball movement has been the key improvement with them ranking in the top four in the league in assists, secondary assists, and potential assists.

However, many good habits like meditating, working out and swapping out fast food for delicious sticks of cellary can be hard to stick to in times of stress. Yet with the pressure at it’s highest the Pels are sticking with the game plan. Just a more efficient version of it.

In the 45 minutes of clutch time the Pelicans have played this season, they have turned the ball over just 10 times. Whilst still keeping the ball moving to the tune of 29.1 assists per 100 possessions. This gives them an assist to turnover ratio of 2.6, good enough for second best in the league.

But more importantly, it’s resulting in wins. The Pels have won 8 of their 12 games featuring at least some clutch time so far this season.

Obviously, it would be great to see the Pelicans blowout more teams and give their starters some much-needed rest. Even potentially giving lay-up magician Omer Asik some more court time.

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However, at the moment it seems the Pelicans simply need the pressure of close games in order to perform at their best and that could bode well for the future.