The New Orleans Pelicans got the type of victory against the Boston Celtics that could turn their season around, but only if they make it happen.
The Pels came back from 24 points down to tie the game late in the 4th quarter on a Brandon Ingram 3-pointer, only to eventually win the game in overtime.
It was a contentious game throughout as the refs were horrible for both teams, which led to a lot of arguing and the ejection of J.J. Redick, a moment that was a turning point in the game.
The small but vocal crowd (led by Alvin Kamara) got involved and the Pelicans fed off that energy in the second half, especially down the stretch.
But we’ve seen the New Orleans Pelicans do this before and know all too well that the same team might not show up in the next game against the Pistons.
This one does feel different though, and if the Pels stay focused they can use this victory to close the first half of the schedule on a high note and make a run at the playoffs.
Here’s how the Pels can build on their victory over the Celtics.
New Orleans Pelicans: The Pels can’t let up against bad teams
The Pelicans have a bad habit of playing down to their competition, as they did recently in a loss against the Detroit Pistons, who are the worst team in the Eastern Conference.
The Pelicans will get another shot at the Pistons on Wednesday night and also have games against the Bulls and Heat before the first half is finished.
The Pelicans absolutely cannot lose any of these games, as these are teams they should beat (maybe with the exception of Miami who is playing better lately) and a loss to any of them would essentially undo any of the momentum they built in against the Celtics.
New Orleans Pelicans: The Pels must keep the energy on defense
After a lackluster first half, the New Orleans Pelicans turned up the defensive energy behind inspired play by Josh Hart, Lonzo Ball and even the much-maligned Nicolo Melli, whose hustle seemed to be infectious.
The Pels were playing with a defensive intensity that they have lacked all season but they have to carry that over into the next game.
This could mean putting Josh Hart into the starting lineup or giving Melli another chance. It could mean less Eric Bledsoe, who has been disappointing on defense this season and has often symbolized the Pels’ overall lack of effort on that end.
Even when they didn’t get the stop against the Celtics, the Pels were playing aggressive, physical defense that was making it tough for Boston.
Jayson Tatum still got his, but he is an All-NBA talent who is difficult to shut down. But Hart and Lonzo didn’t make it easy on him, especially Hart, who was bodying Tatum all night.
The New Orleans Pelicans can score with any team in the NBA but the X-Factor will always be their effort on the defensive end.
They cannot afford to coast in games and hopefully last night was the start of a renewed focus on that end.
New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson needs more shots
Maybe the most impressive part of the win for me was the way Zion Williamson bounced back from his worst first half of the season to help lead the Pelicans to victory.
Brandon Ingram was amazing down the stretch and eventually sealed the game with a 3-point shot and some timely free throws, but it was Zion’s 24 points in the second half that really boosted the Pels.
I’ve been screaming all season that Zion Williamson needs at least 20 shots per game and he finally got them against the Celtics, though it took an overtime session to get it done.
This should be the norm moving forward, as the Pels have too often gone away from Zion late in games even when he was rolling.
Zion didn’t have his normal efficient night but he was crucial down the stretch and showed that he can play big minutes, logging 40 overall including the entire 4th quarter and overtime.
Zion Williamson’s gravity draws in defenders and was the reason Brandon Ingram was open for some of the huge 3-pointers he hit down the stretch.
Zion needs to get his shots and should have the ball in his hands late in games when he can take advantage of the other team’s fatigue.
This was the biggest win of the season for the New Orleans Pelicans but it will be meaningless unless they build on it, starting with blowing out the Pistons on Wednesday.