New Orleans Pelicans: Things to Watch with Season on the Line vs. Spurs

The New Orleans Pelicans have to play hard all game.

The Pelicans Have to Bring Consistent Intensity

The Pelicans were able to secure the win against the Wizards in the third quarter, when backups Frank Jackson and Josh Hart cranked up the defensive intensity and energy along with Jrue Holiday.

They were fighting over screens, getting into the Wizards’ chests and not letting them have easy shots. They pushed the pace on turnovers and missed shots, and the Pelicans were eventually able to wear them down with defense.

This was great to watch, but my question was where has it been?

The Pelicans cannot have long stretches where they don’t defend or take care of the ball. They have to bring the energy and focus from the beginning and can’t wait until the third quarter to turn it on.

You have to wonder what might have happened against the Kings if the Pelicans had played the entire game as they did against the Wizards in the third quarter.

It’s frustrating that the team doesn’t bring the same energy and intensity each night, or even for an entire game.

This is part of being a young team, but Alvin Gentry needs to keep rewarding the guys who are putting in the effort defensively and needs to get his team prepared to play from the opening tip.

Jackson, Hart and even Nicolo Melli played with heart and intensity last game and should get more minutes agains the Spurs.