The New Orleans Pelicans are looking to move past the Willie Green but their spirits appear to be still stuck in the mud. That’s what interim coach James Borrego is prioritizing in the next few games.
“This is not about executing a play or a defense tonight,” he told reporters before their loss to the Golden State Warriors.
“As an organization, our spirits gotta be raised, our eyes gotta be picked up, our heads have to be up… Go fight and play with great speed and violence.”
Borrego’s statement echoes what Pelicans president of basketball operations Joe Dumars said when he explained firing of Green.
“Can we build an identity here? That’s really what I’m going to be looking for — a coach that’s really going to build an identity here — and that’s what’s going to go into the decision,” Dumars said.
“Obviously, you want someone smart. You want someone who can communicate.”
James Borrego’s first game
That raised spirit did not really come out in Borrego’s first game in charge after getting dominated by the visiting Warriors.
Stephen Curry did not even need to have another 40-point game (only 9 points) just like in two wins versus the San Antonio Spurs. They also did not have Jonathan Kuminga.
Pelicans trailed the first quarter, 44-28. They they lost three of the four quarters and settled for a 124-106 defeat.
Pelicans defense is suspect and Borrego urges his players to take pride when they host the freight train that is the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“Our defense is lacking in communication. The goal is that we improve in that.”
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