NBA Western Power Rankings Week 4: Warriors make history
By Tom West
Nov 20, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) in the second half of their game against the San Antonio Spurs at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
14th: New Orleans Pelicans (7 points)
By Tom West
Record: 3-11
Record last week: 2-3
Injuries aside, the Pelicans have completely disappointed during the 2015-16 season so far. Their offense hasn’t been too bad (16th in the NBA for efficiency), and three 18 point per game scorers in Ryan Anderson (19.3), Eric Gordon (18.5) and Anthony Davis (23.3) isn’t a trio that many teams have. However, the area where the Pelicans have simply been appealing is on defense. That’s the reason they only have three wins right now.
They’re 20th in the NBA in opponent shooting within five feet as they surrender 59.7 percent in that range. When it comes to defending the edges of the paint, they allow 44.4 percent shooting from 5-9 feet out (27th in the league). While the Pelicans remain that weak inside, it’s no surprise that they’re giving up more points per game to their opponents than any other team (108.9).
The one good moment fans have seen from their Pelicans so far? A startling win over the San Antonio Spurs last week. With three big performances from Davis (20 points, 18 rebounds), Anderson (30 points), and Ish Smith (17 points, 13 assists) they managed to rise above the many weapons the Spurs have at their disposal with a 90-104 win.
Their probably won’t be many more wins yet, though. So fans had better remember that performance and their current two-game win streak to stay positive.
Next: Houston Rockets