A large part of the New Orleans Pelicans revival in the second half of the season came on the defensive end on the floor. Early in the season, the Pelicans found themselves at the bottom of the league in defensive rating, ranking 23rd up to Jan. 22.
That date, though, marks the debut of Zion Williamson and the turning point in New Orleans’ season in many regards. While much has been made about the team’s offensive revival, their defense also vastly improved. The Pelicans rank seventh in the league defensively since Williamson joined the side.
Following New Orleans’ first practice in the bubble in Orlando, Lonzo Ball talked about the team’s defense and the importance of getting back in the groove on that end of the court.
“We’re going to get the rotations back the next two or three weeks and then after that, defense is really just effort, in my opinion, once you know where to go. As long as we go out there and hustle and play for one another, we should be ok.”
Ball also talked about the potential challenges of playing without fans and noted how it will force the team to talk on the defensive end as well.
“I mean it’s going to force us to talk. There’s no excuse for saying you don’t hear somebody when it’s just us out there. I do think it’ll be a little different playing with no fans.”
If the Pelicans can remain an effective team on the defensive end during the restart, that will be key to them making a run at the eighth seed and a potential spot in the playoffs.