Every year since the arrival of Willie Green, the Pelicans have been hit by tough blows, and this season is no exception. Result: a complicated passage with five losses in a row from November 5 to 13, but the team quickly bounced back by winning against the Mavs then the Nuggets, two of the best teams at the start of the season.
For the technician from New Orleans, this double victory has a name: Herb Jones. “It’s no coincidence that we’ve won both games since Herb came back. This shows how important it is” insists Willie Green, delighted to find his winger.
A “glue guy”
The team’s best defender, Herb Jones resumed his usual role as “glue guy” and dirty work specialist. Against the Nuggets, he compiled 8 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 1 block in 37 minutes. We saw him, in the same sequence, defend against Aaron Gordon, Reggie Jackson then Christian Braun, and he came out a winner. Against the Mavericks, he had 19 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and above all 5 interceptions.
“He’s an incredible player, and he’s also a lovely person.” continues his coach. “He has this character trait of showing up every day with extreme determination. Sometimes what he achieves doesn’t show in the stats. But all of his teammates know what he brings as a leader, on and off the field. »
A presence which relieves Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, who can concentrate more on the attack, as in the 4th quarter where the two took turns responding to Nikola Jokic. “At the end of the match, we gave them the ball in midfield and allowed them to work for each other. It was nice to see” appreciated Willie Green.
A third shock this weekend
The coach of the Pelicans (6v-6d) is also rewarded for having given a chance to Dyson Daniels, who has started for two games. The “sophomore” delivers his most complete game of his career with 10 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists.
“These last two matches, we played really well collectively,” underlines the young Australian. “During this losing streak, we weren’t doing that. We were getting our butts kicked. We were overwhelmed on rebounds. The teams mistreated us. The fact that we played against two good teams, and that we responded, is a good thing for us. »
Next meeting against Wolves, one of the good teams at the start of the season. For Herb Jones, one mission: limit the impact of Anthony Edwards, one of the best attackers in the NBA.
