Big changes are coming for the New Orleans Pelicans, revealed coach Stan Van Gundy on Sunday. This after the Pelicans surrendered an embarrassing 123-112 loss to the cellar-dwelling Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.
After the game, Van Gundy did not hide his displeasure with his team's lackluster effort and hinted that a tweak in rotation might be in the books (via Pelicans beat reporter Jim Eichenhofer).
Stan Van Gundy on potential alterations to #Pelicans rotation, to try to get better results, especially defensively: “I’m not saying we will make changes, (but) I don’t think we can, with no thought, just put the same guys out there.”
— Jim Eichenhofer (@Jim_Eichenhofer) February 15, 2021
The 61-year-old Van Gundy pointed out NOLA's anemic defensive execution, allowing the Pistons to shoot 53 percent from the field and 48 percent from beyond the arc.
SVG: “We’re not fighting hard enough and we don’t have enough defensive pride.”
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) February 15, 2021
Van Gundy fears that his team is developing bad habits on D, which has led to their horrible three-game slide. The Pelicans even notched a disparaging NBA record during the losing stretch as they dropped to 12th place in the Western Conference with an 11-15 slate (via ESPN reporter Andrew Lopez).
The Pelicans have given up 67 3-pointers in the last 3 games.
That’s the most ever given up in a 3-game span in NBA history according to @ESPNStatsInfo research.
Pelicans gave up an NBA record 50 in the previous two games.
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) February 15, 2021
The Pelicans actually started hot against the Pistons, exploding for 40 points in the opening period. But their defense unraveled in the next three quarters, allowing the boys from Motown to have their way on offense. Six Pistons finished in double figures led by Josh Jackson's 21 points, while Svi Mykhailiuk added 18 more.
Pistons center Mason Plumlee also had a huge game, posting a triple-double of 17 points, 10 boards, and 10 assists.
Scoring was not a problem for the Pelicans with young stars Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram putting up 26 points apiece. But their defense left a lot to be desired, even with known anchor Steven Adams manning the interior.
The Pelicans have the resume and the athleticism to become a solid defensive unit. But Van Gundy might have to do some tweaking because they're simply not getting the job done.
Follow Us
Subscribe