Good feelings from Zion Williamson and the Pelicans

A defensive miscommunication between Pascal Siakam and Benedikt Maturin paid off in cash. Derrick Queen then lobbed a pass to find his inside play partner, who had just returned: Zion Williamson. It will be his first takeoff of the night against the Pacers.

Facing the current NBA finalists, the Pelicans’ interior provided muscle and strength. In just 23 minutes of play, he collected 29 points (9/14 on shots, 11/13 on free throws) and 7 rebounds. Everything, on departure again from the bench of his team.

« My approach hasn’t changed. J.B. (James Borrego) very well explained in relation to the record I have. I try to make the most of it, especially to finish the match. It’s easy because he always allows me to be myself, to be Zion », defends the funnel with enthusiasm.

The insider describes good communication with his trainer and says he trusts him to make this adjustment to his usage: “ We have a game plan, it doesn’t bother me. “What to return” iron » his coach in relation to the approach shown by the player.

« He is all involved, he is dedicated. He and I have a great dynamic. The fact that he takes on this role and understands what he’s trying to do and what he wants to achieve is great. We try to make the most of our minutes. He does a phenomenal job. And all this is primarily a question of the state of mind », summarized by James Borregomarked by the imprint on the game that his interior left as soon as he arrived on the floor.

The pelicans push in

With the activity of Zion Williamson under the circle, the Pelicans scored 70 points in the opponent’s racket (60 on the Pacers’ side). Behind Detroit, NOLA is the league’s most prolific team in scoring in the paint (57.8). And by logical contrast, one of the least active behind the arc (10.9 3-point shots on average).

« This is now our formula, our identity. This is us now. Obviously, we’ve talked a lot about the 3-point line. But we have to be good in our sector and stay true to who we are: dominate the racket, go to the free throw line, share the ball when we can, accelerate in transition. And if winning a match requires 70, 80 racket points, then it is necessary », Delivers the coach.

His formula is working well today, as his team’s four-game winning streak has doubled the season’s winning odds in a matter of days. Including three against teams in the red, but a prestigious win against the Rockets. To explain this dynamic, Zion Williamson notes that the beat is higher, the spacing is better, and that “ guys trust each other more ».

There is no question of getting carried away. State of mind? ” Happy, but never satisfied “, James Borrego repeats twice, insisting: “ I’m proud of the group. They made an effort. But now is not the time to congratulate ourselves and tell ourselves that we have done our job. This is not the process we talked about. The goal is to work hard every day. We are improving. We move on to the next challenge. »

It will be Monday with the Mavs reception, another good opportunity to evaluate ourselves.

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How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.