James Borrego hopes that the “victory validates” the culture-building process

The The New Orleans Pelicans need some good news beyond beginners Derrick Queen and Jeremiah Fears, and luckily for their fans, got a few wins to lift their spirits before Christmas. James Borrego reflects the significance of the victories in the context of the team’s ongoing efforts to establish a strong foundation around Zion Williamson.

While the wins provide some validation, the real test lies in maintaining consistency throughout the rest of the season. Make no mistake; Borrego was clear that victories are important. They provide reinforcement, credibility and belief for young Pelicans. The interim coach was equally adamant about it results cannot dictate standards or the everyday environment inside the Pelican’s facility.

“As I said, the victory is valid,” stressed Borrego. “I don’t want our gym to feel any different whether we win or lose. If your culture is your culture and you do what you say you’re going to do, the score doesn’t matter. When we come into this gym, win or lose, the gym should feel the same way. It should feel like this, sound like this, win or lose, period.”

The win, the second against the Bulls this season, comes at a critical time for a Pelicans team that has struggled mightily, enduring a seven-game losing streak prior to these back-to-back triumphs. Still, building an environment so consistent, so process-driven, that it becomes immune to the blows of an 82-game season is the best way for Borrego to land a full-time job.

“Does a win help validate what you’re doing? Does it. You need a little bit of that jolt. And maybe there’s a little bit of an extra jolt after a win, no doubt, but I don’t want it to take away from what we’re trying to do day in and day out.”

Here lies a delicate balance. A “shock” of validation is welcome, but it cannot become fuel. A real engine, Borrego argues, must be monotonous, unglamorous work that fans don’t see.

“It’s a process we’re trying to build. It doesn’t happen overnight.”

“I keep saying there’s no fairy dust for this. You just have to do it every day. And it might not happen right now, but we just keep pounding on this rock.”

Culture, in Borrego’s opinion, is not a motivational speech or a catchy slogan; it’s the cumulative effect of countless film sessions, drills and conversations conducted with the same energy after a 20-point win or a 20-point loss. That, he believes, is the only thing that can provide stability through the inevitable turbulence of an NBA season.

“Over time, your culture becomes that, and that’s what sometimes allows you to overcome a losing streak. It keeps you going through the ups and downs of this NBA season. Your energy and that culture keeps you going, but I’m going to win,” Borrego laughed. “Wins always help.”

For the Pelicans, a team with undeniable talent but a history of instability, this pursuit of cultural sustainability may be the most critical story this season. Can they develop daily habits that smooth out emotional highs and lows? Can the process really become more important than the immediate outcome? Or will Zion Williamson move on, leaving Jeremy Fears and Derrick Quinn to shoulder the basketball burdens for Crescent City?

Will the gym really feel the same after a tough loss? Will the process be sustained when results are scarce? If Borrego’s vision takes root, the answer will be yes. The Pelicans aren’t just building a game plan; they build an ecosystem that is designed to withstand any weather.