What a difference eight games can make. Just two weeks ago I cautioned everyone on the New Orleans Pelicans defensive revival. Why? They were allowing shots in valuable areas, especially in the restricted area, at a high rate. Of eight opponents five were able to exceed their season-long offensive rating. The San Antonio Spurs would have been the sixth if they didn’t shut it down in the fourth quarter of a blowout.
Two weeks is a long time. Jrue Holiday has played the last four games (all Pelican victories) and his presence defensively is obvious.