The New Orleans Pelicans gave up at least 120 points in each of their first six games.
The results were six consecutive losses.
But once the Pelicans tightened things up on defense, the wins came.
The Pelicans held their last two opponents (the Charlotte Hornets and Dallas Mavericks) under 120 points and came away both times with a win.
“It starts with our mindset on the defensive end,” said Pelicans’ coach Willie Green.
The Pelicans best defensive effort came Wednesday night when they beat the Mavericks 101-99. It was the first time the Pelicans held an opponent under 100 points in 14 games.
“That’s a point of emphasis,” said rookie Micah Peavy. “Just getting better on that end. I think guys are taking pride in their defense now and not getting scored on.”
Peavy was drafted for his ability to defend and has shown just how much pride he takes on that end of the court.
“Making winning plays,” Peavy said. “That’s what coach told me when I get in there, just do what I do. No pressure. I feel like I made an impact. Even though I didn’t score, I think I brought it on the defensive end and we had a very good defensive game. I think it was our best defensive game all year. I just want to continue bringing that every game.”
The Pelicans (2-6) play again on Saturday on the road against the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs beat the Pelicans 120-116 in overtime in the Pels’ home opener in late October. This time, the Pels will be without three key pieces. Zion Williamson (hamstring), Jordan Poole (left quad strain) and Yves Missi (illness) have all been ruled out for the game. The absence of Williamson and Missi will make it even tougher to guard Spurs’ big man Victor Wembanyama. The 7-foot-4 Wembanyama fouled out with 4:17 left in overtime of the last game against the Pels.
“The thing we did well is we brought physicality to that game,” Green said. “We’ve got to continue to do that. Especially with Wembanyama. He’s a force. We know that. We’ve got to be physical and get out to their shooters. He does a great job of being the hub. If you are not aggressive, he can spread it out to (Stephon) Castle and (Julian) Champagnie. A lot of things we have done, we need to carry over to this game.”
Spurs’ guard De’Aaron Fox is expected to make his season debut after nursing an offseason hamstring injury. So the defense will have to be as sharp as ever.
“We are just playing together on both ends,” said Pelicans’ forward Saddiq Bey. “Talking more. Being more physical. We knew it was going to come with time.”
Despite the past two games, the Pelicans still rank 27th in the league in points allowed per game (120.8).
The Pelicans finish up the road trip Monday against the Phoenix Suns. Then they begin a 5-game homestand, starting with a Wednesday night game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
“It was great to get those two wins,” Green said. “Two hard fought games. It builds your confidence and the momentum we have been working on.”