The New Orleans Pelicans have had a disappointing start to their season without star Zion Williamson in the lineup.
With the most recent Zion setback, it would have been easy for the team to hang their heads, especially after getting throttled by the Dallas Mavericks at home.
The Pelicans had to take on the Mavericks again, this time on the road, and they were heavy underdogs after getting demolished by the same team the game before.
The Pels came out flat and only scored 14 points in the first quarter and again, it would have been easy for them to mail in the rest of the game, and take another “L” in a matchup they were not supposed to win.
Instead, the Pelicans dug in, played two great quarters in the second and third and were able to hold on for a big win in Dallas.
I said yesterday that this could be the beginning of a winning streak, as the Pelicans’ schedule lightens up for the next five games.
It’s time we give the coach some credit for keeping this team engaged and focused through all of the turmoil.
Willie Green is changing the culture of the New Orleans Pelicans
I have loved the Willie Green era in New Orleans so far, as he has been able to get his players to work hard and play with heart even when they weren’t winning.
A lot of young teams and coaches would use the absence of their best player as an excuse not to compete but these Pelicans haven’t given into that, largely because the coach won’t allow it.
The Pels have endured one of the toughest schedules in the NBA, have had myriad injury problems, and yet are just five games out of the play-in tournament with plenty of season left.
It’s possible they will fizzle out again, but the Pels are 5-5 over their last 10 against tough competition and now have a chance to pile up some “W’s” against lesser teams.
There hasn’t been a ton to be excited about this season but it appears the Pelicans have finally found their coach in Willie Green and that things are starting to change in the Big Easy.