It's not just Brandon Ingram who signed his return for New Orleans against the Suns. Herb Jones also returned, more than a month after his last match, on October 29 against the Warriors. It was even the first time, since the first game, that the Pelicans were able to line up Ingram, Jones, McCollum and Murray together.
“His mere presence has an impact on our team,” rejoiced before the meeting Willie Green, with the idea of recovering his winger. “He’s the captain of our defense. He was on the First-Team All Defense last season. His defensive communication helps his teammates be in good position. He sets the fire. »
When the Suns come to New Orleans, it is especially Devin Booker who sets the fire by scoring 52 points twice during his two visits to town last season.
He also scored 58 points for the Pelicans in December 2022. In short, the guard loves to have fun with the Pelicans defense and as Kevin Durant is in the infirmary, we could imagine a new card.
Already a decisive action in defense
Which was partly confirmed with 15 points in the first quarter. Then Willie Green's troops, including Herb Jones, will find the parade.
“He had some big nights against us in the past and we talked about it in training. We weren't going to let him play in isolation, one-on-one. We were going to make his life difficult”explains the coach.
This was the case on the last shoot, the one to snatch the victory. Devin Booker is embarrassed by Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy III even comes to help him. The back of Phoenix struggles to shoot but Herb Jones manages to counter him. And can yell “First Team (All Defense)” to validate his decisive defensive move.
“We talked during the timeout that we needed a stop. I did my best and we got it,” delivers the one who compiled 12 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 interceptions for his return and in the success of his team. “Booker is a hell of a player but it’s nice to have Jones back,” concludes Willie Green. “He brings that to the team: a big stop, big defensive action in hot moments. »
Enough to also allow the Pelicans to stop their series of nine consecutive defeats…
| Herb Jones | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2021-22 | NOP | 78 | 30 | 47.6 | 33.7 | 84.0 | 1.3 | 2.5 | 3.8 | 2.1 | 3.1 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 9.5 |
| 2022-23 | NOP | 66 | 30 | 46.9 | 33.5 | 76.4 | 1.5 | 2.6 | 4.1 | 2.5 | 3.2 | 1.6 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 9.8 |
| 2023-24 | NOP | 76 | 31 | 49.8 | 41.8 | 86.7 | 1.0 | 2.6 | 3.6 | 2.6 | 2.9 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 11.0 |
| 2024-25 | NOP | 5 | 29 | 44.4 | 25.0 | 50.0 | 0.8 | 2.6 | 3.4 | 1.8 | 2.4 | 2.2 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 7.8 |
| Total | 225 | 30 | 48.1 | 37.0 | 82.0 | 1.2 | 2.6 | 3.8 | 2.4 | 3.0 | 1.6 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 10.1 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
