Once upon a time — well, actually just two weeks ago — the New Orleans Pelicans seemed to have figured some things out.
The Pelicans were riding high on a five-game winning streak. It was the first time they had won five games in a row since the 2022-23 season. Everything seemed to be clicking, which shouldn't have been much of a surprise with Herb Jones in the lineup.
In the third game of that winning streak, Jones’ stellar play on defense helped dig the Pelicans out of a 25-point hole to beat the Houston Rockets. It was the Pels’ best win of the season. Jones frustrated one of the greatest shooters of all time (Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant) that night.
Things were trending in the right direction.
Zion Williamson was embracing his new role coming off of the bench.
Role players were doing their part.
Shots were falling.
Fans were starting to believe that maybe things were turning around. Perhaps the Pelicans had found the identity that executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars was looking for.
But after Jones sprained his ankle, the Pelicans flipped back to their old ways and have lost six straight games. They’ll try to end their slide Sunday at the Miami Heat.
What will it take to get things turned around?
“Pride,” Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado said. “We know we are capable of winning. We’ve just got to do the right things. Not talk about it. Be about it. We are trying to figure it out.”
Based on how things have gone during the six-game losing streak, there is plenty to figure out. The Pelicans (8-28) have lost in every way possible during this recent funk.
Let’s take a look back.
• Lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers 141-118 on Dec. 23.
The 141 points were the second-most points the Pels have given up all season and the most in regulation.
"From start to finish, a poor defensive effort," Pelicans interim coach James Borrego said after the game.
• Lost to the Phoenix Suns 115-108 on Dec. 26.
This time it was free throws that did the Pelicans in. The Pelicans made just 25 of 42 free throws (59.5%). They missed 17 free throws that night, which will lose almost every time on any level of basketball.
• Lost to the Suns 123-114 on Dec. 27
The Suns dominated on the offensive boards, grabbing 22 rebounds on that end. It led to 30 second-chance points. Wins don't come when you get beat on the boards like that.
• Lost to the New York Knicks 130-125 on Monday.
This was your reminder that the Pelicans aren’t good at finishing games. The Knicks made plays and the Pels didn’t down the stretch. The night ended with Jordan Poole, trying to draw a foul, heaving a shot that had no chance.
• Lost to the Chicago Bulls 134-118 on Wednesday.
This was your reminder that the Pelicans always will lose a game they have no business losing. The Bulls were without their top two scorers (Josh Giddey and Coby White). It didn’t matter. The Pelicans gave up the fifth-most points they’ve allowed all season.
• Lost to the Portland Trail Blazers 122-109 on Friday.
It was the first game of the new year and also a reminder of years past. Something Pelicans fans are all too familiar with (the injury bug) started biting. Three starters (Trey Murphy, Saddiq Bey and Derik Queen) watched in street clothes. It was too much to overcome.
If there is a way to lose, the Pelicans have found it.
The most recent losing streak didn’t start until Jones suffered that ankle sprain. That’s often the case. The Pelicans struggle when Jones doesn’t play.
Don’t believe me? Check this stat out: Since Borrego took over as interim coach after Willie Green was fired, the Pelicans have played 24 games. The Pelicans are 5-5 in games that Jones played. They are 1-13 when he doesn’t play. The Pelicans have allowed 127.5 points per game during the losing streak.
“One guy left the lineup, Herb Jones,” Borrego said. “He’s incredible. But that doesn’t excuse our defense. If we’ve got to get Herb back to hold people under 130, that’s unacceptable.“
This six-game losing streak is one of many lengthy ones this season. The Pels lost their first six games of the season. They also have losing streaks of nine and seven.
“We’ve been in this place before,” Borrego said. “We found our way out of it. You’ve just got to keep plugging away. Keep chopping. Keep working. The No. 1 thing is stay together. Keep our heads up. Keep spirits up and keep fighting.
"This group has not dropped the sword. We can’t drop the sword. We’ve got to keep fighting and keep believing.”
For now, they have to do it without their best defensive player.
Borrego gave an update Saturday on Jones’ progress.
“We’re moving, we’re getting there,” Borrego said. “I miss him.”
The Pelicans have a losing streak to prove just how much they miss Jones.