Revisiting the Pelicans' Greatest Wins Last Season

NEW ORLEANS - A 26-56 season doesn't produce many reasons to celebrate, but even in a difficult year, the New Orleans Pelicans had moments that showed what this roster could become. Looking back at those wins isn't about pretending last season was better than it was, but I do think it's worth noticing the performances that gave us a glimpse of the team's potential.

The Win That Made Us Notice

On Dec. 18, the Pelicans defeated the Houston Rockets 133-128 in overtime. It was only New Orleans' sixth win of the season, but it came against a team that would go on to finish near the top of the Western Conference. The Pelicans showed toughness, stayed composed late and found a way to win when the game went beyond regulation.

Beating the Timberwolves on the Road

On Feb. 6, New Orleans went into Minnesota and came away with a 119-115 victory. The Timberwolves were one of the West's better teams, making this one of the Pelicans' most impressive road wins of the season. It was also the kind of game that showed what this team could look like when its athleticism and physicality translated into winning basketball.

The Biggest Statement

Perhaps the most impressive win by margin came against Sacramento on Feb. 9 when the Pelicans dominated the Kings 120-94, winning by 26 points—their largest margin of victory all season. It was a great win because the Pelicans controlled the game from start to finish.

What Can We Learn?

Learning from those games is the important part. The Pelicans' best wins weren't all built the same way at all. Some came in close games. Others came through defensive pressure or offensive explosions. But they shared one thing: The Pelicans played with an identity, and that is what Jamahl Mosley is focusing on for his team now.

The Bottom Line

Last season's record tells us where the Pelicans finished. Their best wins tell us what they might be capable of becoming. The challenge now is turning those flashes into a standard rather than an exception. The goal isn't to remember the good games, but it's to figure out how to create more of them.

Understand the Pelicans. Don't just watch them.