New Orleans Pelicans: 3 reasons for the Pels’ rise to the top of the West

The defense has been the key

Coaches will always say that defense wins championships. It is a proven fact that the past few NBA champions were among the best defensive in the league during their title runs and that most likely won’t change anytime soon.

The Pelicans have definitely shown a more valiant effort on the defensive end. They have found a defensive identity as they have kept opponents in check so far this season. They have the 3rd best defensive unit according to NBA.com, rank 2nd in steals per game, is 8th in points allowed and 6th in total rebounds allowed.

They are also holding opponents to 46 percent from the field which is good for the 8th-best in the league. Teams are also struggling from downtown against the Pelicans as they are holding opposing teams to 34 percent shooting from behind the arc which is good for the 2nd best mark in the NBA.

Opponents are also finding it difficult to get to the free throw line against this vaunted and disciplined unit as the Pelicans have allowed the 3rd least attempts from the charity stripe. They have 3 of the top 50 players in steals per game on their roster. Jose Alvarado, who was an undrafted free agent before signing with the Pelicans has earned his spot on the roster with his hustle, heart, and energy he brings off the bench.

Give the Pelicans scouts and front office personnel a lot of credit for finding this gem. They also deserve credit for drafting Herb Jones and Trey Murphy as well. These guys were elite defenders during their college careers and it has translated to their careers in the NBA. Jones’s defensive intensity really has allowed him to stand out with the way he moves his feet laterally and how he takes advantage of his long wingspan.

The scary part is that Jones has missed the Pelicans’ last five games before returning to action against the Utah Jazz and the team was still able to maintain that high level of defense without one of their best defensive players.