Some good things are finally happening for the New Orleans Pelicans

Yesterday felt like a turning point for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Not only did they get the news that Zion Williamson has been fully cleared for action, but they beat the Utah Jazz on the road on a buzzer beater by Devonte’ Graham.

The news about Zion came before last night’s win over the Utah Jazz, which was hard fought and won by a clutch shot by Devonte’ Graham at the buzzer.

It was great to see the Pelicans’ bench celebrate and it seemed like they knew that shot was going in even before it left Graham’s hands.

Graham’s buzzer beater was just one sign that the Pelicans can still save their season.

Signs of the season turning around for the New Orleans Pelicans

Yes, the Pels are just 5-16 after winning two-in-a-row, so it is not like they are knocking on the door of title contention.

But they are only five games behind the Timberwolves for the 10th and final play-in spot. They are a game and a half behind the Spurs, two games behind the Thunder and three and a half behind the Kings.

All of these teams are lousy and at full strength, so I see no reason why the Pelicans can’t overtake all of them with a solid run of games once Zion Williamson returns.

The Pelicans have shown heart and stayed somewhat afloat without their best player even though they’ve played a brutal schedule.

In other words, there are reasons for fans to be hopeful and it’s not just about the record.

Some things are starting to click for the New Orleans Pelicans

Since being moved to the bench, Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been much more effective for the New Orleans Pelicans.

He has scored in double digits in all three of his bench games so far with better shooting splits and better shot selection in general.

It’s possible that NAW is best suited being the top scoring option off the bench, as he has played much better in that role in a small sample size this season.

After having a couple of bad games where it looked like he still wasn’t 100 percent, Brandon Ingram has posted two good games in a row and there are signs that he is going to continue to break out once his running mate returns.

He’s grabbing the most rebounds of his career, and is doing a better job of not dribbling too much or holding the ball, which is where he gets into trouble.

Jonas Valanciunas and Devonte’ Graham have been solid all season, so the Pelicans have some guys who are playing well and look like great complements to Zion.

But the real change is coming with energy.

Josh Hart and Herb Jones are leading the New Orleans Pelicans with energy

The Pelicans have played with a little more desire since being called out by veteran Josh Hart in an expletive filled rant.

I loved this from Hart, who was sick of hearing all of the excuses about youth. Hart has backed it up on the court and is having the best season of his career behind efficient scoring and much-better shot selection.

His shots will only get better once Zion is back, so Hart’s improvement is a great sign for the Pelicans.

Herb Jones has provided lockdown defense that got him named as a top-10 rookie. He is shutting down some of the best offensive players in the league, including last night, when he was everywhere against the Jazz and helped keep Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley in check.

Jones and Hart are leading the Pelicans with energy and look like the exact type of players who you want around Zion and BI, as they are getting it done without needing the ball and making their impact felt on the defensive end.

Coach Willie Green has found something in the Graham, BI, Hart, Jones, Valanciunas group that is going to be even better when you add a 27 point per game scorer.

It’s not time to celebrate yet, but there are signs the Pelicans’ season is turning around and there is still plenty of time to salvage it.