Pelicans head coach James Borrego acknowledged his team’s effort after Tuesday’s 121-116 loss to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
“Yeah, I think you know the guys competed, poise came back resilient… we were playing catch-up from there. We did catch up, took the lead, love the spirit, the fight there,” Borrego said.
He noted the impact of free-throw disparities, stating, “Probably one of the biggest numbers, they shot 22 free throws, we shot 13… somehow we got to make up that gap.”
Borrego praised his team’s ball control, adding, “Only seven turnovers. We got shots on goal. I thought one of the biggest plays was the flagrant corner three… that was significant in this game.”
Reflecting on the group’s development, the coach said, “This group is playing at a high level since the All-Star break… you just got to keep going through these moments and you figure it out and you grow through it.”
He highlighted the team’s experimentation with rotations, explaining, “These are moments they are feeling for the first time together… multiple different combinations and they’re finding a way. I love the spirit, the fight, the connection, and the growth I see out there.”
Borrego singled out Zion Williamson, saying, “I thought he had a significant imprint on that game… made big plays offensively, defensively, got to the rim… he belonged in that game in a high-level game against a very physical, aggressive defense.”
On guarding Jalen Brunson, Borrego added, “You could put Shai in that same category and Brunson. Their footwork is elite. You can’t really speed them up. You can’t foul them… that’s why they’re going to be contending for a title this year.”
The coach also praised Jeremiah Fears, explaining, “You recognize his aggression, his efficiency… biggest thing with him is if he’s making the right play, you got to live with that. He’s playing off two feet, not turning it over, getting shots on goal, putting pressure on the rim.”
Borrego concluded by emphasizing the team’s progress, saying, “For a team that’s growing and learning… love the resiliency, the toughness, the physicality, the growth we’ve seen from this group… this thing’s only pointing in the right direction.”
The Pelicans fell to 25-48 as Zion scored 22 points and Fears added 21, while the Knicks improved to 48-25, fueled by Jalen Brunson’s 32 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter.
New Orleans will visit Detroit on Thursday, while New York travels to Charlotte.
