While the Pelicans’ offense has come and gone on the season, it’s been the defensive side of the ball that as had the biggest impact on the team’s play. Over the last 20 games of the season, which coincides with Zion Williamson’s debut, the Pelicans morphed from 26th in defensive rating to eighth-best in the league.
Williamson’s potential absence from the team, however long it lasts, will have an impact on New Orleans. But the focus of the practices before and after his departure appears to have been on the defensive end of the ball. Lonzo Ball spoke about the defensive focus of the practices in the bubble during his media availability on Saturday.
“Our main focus is definitely on defense. We feel like we have enough weapons to be cool on offense, so as long as we stop people, we put ourselves in a good position to win and we’re kind of harping on that in practice.”
Since his debut, Williamson has given the Pelicans a spark on both ends. With him on the court since his debut, New Orleans has a 103.1 defensive rating which would rank second in the league in that span. When Williamson sits, the mark jumps to 113.3.
In that sense, focusing on defense is even more important. It’s also been one of the biggest areas of struggle for the team, particularly in clutch situations. And with an offense that will still feature Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Jrue Holiday, the defensive side of the ball will remain of the utmost importance.