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The Pelicans’ New Defensive Grit

The legendary basketball player Michael Jordan once said, “Defense wins championships.” The last three NBA championship teams have all ranked in the top 10 in defensive rating, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, who ranked first, and the Boston Celtics, who…

Published: Wednesday, 4 November 2026 at 6:19 PM
The Pelicans’ New Defensive Grit
Key Things to Know
  • Erik Roy argues the New Orleans Pelicans' improved defensive grit under coach Jamahl Mosley is driving their resurgence.
  • The Pelicans won three straight games following an 0-4 start, ranking 16th in adjusted defensive rating.
  • Zion Williamson ranks in the top five in the NBA with 2.7 steals per game.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Writer Erik Roy highlights the New Orleans Pelicans' recent turnaround, attributing a three-game winning streak to improved defensive grit under head coach Jamahl Mosley. The Pelicans rebounded from an 0-4 start to rank 16th in adjusted defensive rating, with superstar Zion Williamson buying into Mosley's system and ranking among the league leaders by averaging 2.7 steals per game.

Roy notes that the team has adapted well despite an injury to Yves Missi, sharing center duties between Derik Queen and Karlo Matkovic. After Matkovic scored a career-high 25 points against the Memphis Grizzlies, Roy argues upcoming favorable matchups against shorthanded teams offer New Orleans a strong chance to sustain momentum.

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