New Orleans Pelicans interim head coach James Borrego highlighted his team’s ability to close out games despite a shaky fourth quarter in Thursday’s 105-99 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Borrego credited the two-man game between Saddiq Bey and Trey Murphy III for providing key plays down the stretch. “Thought the separator was really that two-man game between Saddiq and Murph… Herb was fantastic down the stretch,” he said, praising Herbert Jones’ contributions and the impact of the team’s bigs.
The coach also reflected on the challenge of winning without Dejounte Murray available. “Even not having Dejounte, you’re still able to get things settled down offensively… that group has played well together,” Borrego said.
Borrego pointed to the team’s recent home success as a result of focus and collective effort. “There’s just a care factor, an urgency, and a belief… all guys bought in one movement, one direction,” he explained, highlighting the mindset behind New Orleans’ seven-game home streak and 5-1 record in the last six games.
Defense has been a critical factor, according to Borrego. “The physicality has picked up… we’ve set the tone on the ball… contesting every shot,” he said, noting that opponents’ field goal and three-point percentages have declined as a result. “We put bigger, more athletic size on the floor… taking away the easy stuff,” Borrego added, citing simplified defensive schemes and aggressive rebounding as keys to improvement.
Borrego emphasized that the Pelicans’ recent success is the result of sustained effort over time. “We’ve been putting ourselves… in these positions to win games… it didn’t just happen overnight. We’ve been working at this for months,” he said.
Trey Murphy III led the team with 27 points, while Bey added 20 and Zion Williamson contributed 15, including a crucial layup during a decisive 14-5 run in the final five minutes. The Pelicans shot 47% from the field, 38% from three, and converted 82% of free throws. New Orleans dominated the boards 47-39, helping secure their third straight win and completing a two-game sweep of Los Angeles.
New Orleans improves to 25-46 overall and will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday, aiming to continue their home dominance.
