In the Top 6 for almost the entire second part of the season, the Pelicans finally had to go through a “play-in” to return to the playoffs. Fate hit them hard with the injury to Zion Williamson, but in the end, it was a second appearance in three years under the leadership of Willie Green.
“It’s such a reward considering what we’ve been through all season,” admits Pelicans coach. “Simply the journey. The ups and downs. We're grateful to get to this point where it's all in one game. We are grateful to be there for each other. We are grateful to have stuck together throughout this ordeal.”
A decisive bench
Facing the Kings, just as unhappy at the end of the season with the losses of Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk, the Pelicans confirmed that they formed a homogeneous rotation of 8-9 players, and the bench played a determining role in this victory with Jose Alvarado, Larry Nance Jr. and Naji Marshall.
“Everyone contributed” confirms Brandon Ingram. “It feels good… That was the goal at the start of the season, and throughout it, different things happened. But we had a new opportunity and we took it.”
For Larry Nance Jr, ” It is deserved “. “That was our state of mind before the meeting. We didn't win 49 matches by chance! » The last time a 49-win team missed the playoffs was the Suns in 1972.
Beautiful basketball
Another symbolic player of this qualification, Jonas Valanciunas. Facing Domantas Sabonis, “JV” signed one of its most successful matches of the season, on both sides of the field: 19 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks in 27 minutes.
“We stuck together. We supported each other. We played for each other,” thus appreciates Jonas Valanciunas. “We all wanted to get to the playoffs, and we did it by playing great basketball, supporting each other, helping each other on defense, helping each other on offense, sharing the ball, and doing the right thing. It's fun to play basketball like that. »
In the first round, the Pelicans will challenge the Thunder, surprise number 1 in the West. Zion Williamson will miss at least the first four games, but with or without him, the series could be close.
