NEW ORLEANS (NEWS 15) \u2014 At the midpoint of the NBA season, the New Orleans Pelicans sit at the bottom of the league standings, struggling to overcome injuries and the challenges of playing under an interim head coach.<\/p>\n
With key players sidelined for stretches of the season, New Orleans has leaned heavily on its young core to remain competitive. While the Pelicans average roughly 115 points per game offensively, defensive issues continue to plague the team, as opponents score about 122 points per contest.<\/p>\n
Interim head coach James Borrego points to defense as the deciding factor in recent losses, despite productive offensive performances.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur offense would have ranked number one last night,\u201d Borrego said. \u201cThat would\u2019ve been the best offensive-rated team in the NBA. We did enough offensively. The problem was the defense.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of the most pressing concerns for New Orleans had been defending the paint. The Pelicans were allowing nearly 55 points per game in the lane, a figure that underscores breakdowns in interior defense and late-game execution.<\/p>\n
Zion Williamson, who surprisingly has missed just 12 games so far this season, plays a central role in anchoring the paint. The starting center noted that his conditioning and workload has not been an issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like I\u2019m in a great rhythm right now, especially with my minutes,\u201d Williamson stated. \u201cI don\u2019t feel fatigued. I feel really good.\u201d<\/p>\n
Roster flexibility remains limited for New Orleans, as the team has already traded its 2026 first-round draft pick to the Atlanta Hawks in the deal that brought Derrick Queen to the Pelicans. That reality leaves the franchise with few options beyond internal improvement or trading a major contributor for additional help.<\/p>\n
Borrego stressed that defensive effort, particularly in the fourth quarter, would be critical moving forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo matter whether we\u2019re making shots or not, our defense has to carry us down the stretch. That\u2019s when our discipline, physicality, presence, rebounding, and effort all have to be at their best,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Williamson echoed those concerns, especially in close games and when defensive specialist Herb Jones was unavailable.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got to close games better. When Herb\u2019s out, our defensive presence has to improve. Late in games, teams are getting layups against us,\u201d he expressed.<\/p>\n
The Pelicans look to correct course as they prepare for upcoming matchups against the Denver Nuggets and Brooklyn Nets.<\/p>\n