Escaping from the Western Convention basement, the New Orleans Pelicans look to increase their profitable streak to 5 video games on Monday once they host the Dallas Mavericks.
After dropping 22 of 25 video games to start the season, New Orleans has received 4 straight with an opportunity to submit its longest profitable streak since a five-game stretch in March 2023.
Because the group’s dismal begin to the season ended head coach Willie Inexperienced’s tenure in New Orleans, the Pelicans are taking part in with a brand new mantra because the calendar yr winds down, and interim head coach James Borrego desires the group to maintain its foot on the gasoline.
“Happy however by no means glad. I believe that is the mentality proper now,” Borrego mentioned. “I am happy with the progress. I am happy with these 4 video games. I am pleased with the hassle. This isn’t to pat ourselves on the again and be glad. We’re onto the subsequent problem. We’ll come again in Monday refreshed and desirous to tackle an excellent opponent in Dallas.”
New Orleans is 5-12 since Borrego took over on Nov. 15. In one other season marred by accidents, Zion Williamson is again from an adductor damage and starring in a brand new position. The previous No. 1 general choose has come off the bench for the primary three video games in his NBA profession, pouring in 29 factors within the Pelicans’ 128-109 win over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday.
For Williamson, the strategy hasn’t modified regardless of the lineup alteration.
“With the minutes that I do have, attempting to get probably the most out of these, particularly permitting me to shut the sport, (Borrego) remains to be letting me be myself,” Williamson mentioned. “He nonetheless lets me be Zion. Even with me coming off the bench on this little stint, he is communicated with me. I belief him and the method he has.”
Williamson’s 21.3 factors per sport lead New Orleans, whereas Trey Murphy III provides 21.2.
Dallas has additionally pulled itself from the gutter, winners in six of 9 after a 5-15 begin. The group fell 121-114 to the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, starting a six-game stretch that can see the Mavericks play 5 away from house.
Prime general draft choose Cooper Flagg turned 19 on Sunday, however has been taking part in far past his expertise of late. Flagg scored 24 factors within the loss to Philadelphia, and is averaging 29.7 factors, seven rebounds and 4.3 assists throughout Dallas’ final three outings.
Flagg is questionable for Monday’s sport attributable to a again contusion.
The Mavericks dedicated 18 turnovers on Saturday, falling after scoring simply 17 fourth-quarter factors.
“We have to maintain the ball, for certain,” Flagg mentioned. “18 turnovers is means too many. We have got to scrub that up, quite a bit. There have been a pair gameplan issues (on Saturday) that we did not comply with and it ended up hurting us.”
Flagg’s 18.8 ppg clip ranks second amongst rookies solely to former Duke teammate, and now Charlotte Hornets first-year participant, Kon Knueppel’s 19.4.
Anthony Davis’ 19.9 factors per sport and 11.2 rebounds per sport tempo Dallas.
–Discipline Stage Media
