New Orleans Pelicans interim head coach James Borrego celebrated his team’s response in a 119-113 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday. “Just an amazing, resilient response by our group. This team has a spirit about them. Never dropped a sword,” Borrego said.
The Pelicans erased an 87-79 deficit after three quarters with a 38-19 run in the first 10 minutes of the fourth. Borrego highlighted the team effort behind the comeback. “It took multiple guys to do that. Obviously P hit some big shots, but Z was incredible in the fourth. Jose helped us stay afloat, made big plays, big shots. Queen battled his tail off down low. Saddiq again, big shots, big moments, comes up huge.”
Borrego praised Zion Williamson’s maturity and team-first mentality in the comeback. “The goal was to maximize his minutes. He deserves credit. I knew he was going to respond well, but for him to approach it this way in the mature, team-first mentality, he deserves credit,” he said.
The coach emphasized the Pelicans’ depth and next-man-up mentality. “When your number’s called, be ready. Everyone—Peavy, McGowens, Jose—can step up in those big moments. Obviously we want Herb out there, but next man up,” Borrego explained.
Defensively, the Pelicans corrected early mistakes. “The biggest talk was transition defense number one. They were killing us in transition, make and miss. We corrected that, and then Klay Thompson was the second. He had 20 points, too many good looks. We nipped the board in the second half. Great response defensively,” he said.
Derik Queen’s consistency also impressed Borrego. “He’s a big in this league, battling the best players every night. DQ found some footing with AD, huge for us on the board, rim protection,” the coach said.
Borrego acknowledged Jordan Poole’s defensive contributions in the second half. “He was great. A couple offensive fouls, steals, active hands. That’s what he needs to be for us defensively. He closed in the fourth quarter on both ends of the floor,” he added.
The Pelicans, now with a five-game winning streak, will visit Cleveland next, while the Mavericks host Denver on Tuesday.
