In the aftermath of the closely contested matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Memphis Grizzlies on November 26, 2025, Pelicans head coach James Borrego provided insights during the postgame interview. Reflecting on the team’s performance, strategic adjustments, and key moments that defined the game, Borrego addressed both the challenges faced on the court and the progress his squad showcased. This interview offers a comprehensive look into the Pelicans’ approach as they navigate a competitive NBA season.
James Borrego Breaks Down Key Moments from Pelicans Victory Over Grizzlies
James Borrego emphasized the importance of defensive intensity in securing the Pelicans’ win against the Grizzlies. He highlighted the fourth quarter as a turning point where team communication and switching on pick-and-rolls disrupted Memphis’ rhythm. Borrego also pointed out the balanced scoring attack, praising the bench unit for stepping up and maintaining momentum when the starters rested.
- Key defensive possessions late in the game that led to crucial stops
- The impact of active hands creating turnovers
- Effective ball movement leading to open looks
- Adaptations to Grizzlies’ fast-break strategies
In addition, Borrego broke down individual performances, singling out the sharp shooting of the backcourt and the dominance of the frontcourt on the boards. He referenced a productive stretch in the third quarter where the Pelicans executed several high-efficiency plays, swinging the lead firmly in their favor. His postgame focus on resilience and execution under pressure underscores the team’s growing chemistry as the season progresses.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zion Williamson | 24 | 11 | 4 |
| Jalen Brunson | 19 | 3 | 7 |
| Herbert Jones | 14 | 8 | 2 |
Analyzing Defensive Strategies and Player Performances in Postgame Discussion
Coach James Borrego emphasized the adaptive defensive schemes that played a pivotal role in the Pelicans’ narrow victory over the Grizzlies. The team’s ability to switch seamlessly between man-to-man coverage and zone defense in critical moments disrupted Memphis’ offensive rhythm, forcing multiple turnovers and contested shots. He highlighted the need for communication and rotation discipline as key factors that elevated the defensive intensity throughout the contest, particularly in the fourth quarter, where defensive stops ultimately sealed the win.
Player performances on defense stood out, with particular mention of Herbert Jones and C.J. McCollum. Jones’ relentless perimeter defense limited the Grizzlies’ sharpshooters, while McCollum’s anticipation led to several deflections and fast-break opportunities. Below is a quick summary of key defensive stats from the game:
| Player | Defensive Rebounds | Steals | Blocks | Defensive Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herbert Jones | 7 | 3 | 1 | 95.6 |
| C.J. McCollum | 4 | 2 | 0 | 98.2 |
| Jonas Valančiūnas | 9 | 0 | 3 | 92.8 |
- Transition defense was a critical component in containing the Grizzlies’ fast breaks, especially in the final 5 minutes.
- Help-side defense ensured that cutters and off-ball players were consistently challenged, forcing lower-percentage shots.
Borrego Emphasizes Adjustments for Upcoming Matchups to Maintain Momentum
James Borrego highlighted the importance of strategic adjustments following the Pelicans’ hard-fought contest against the Grizzlies. Recognizing that maintaining momentum requires more than just physical stamina, Borrego stressed the need for focused preparation on both ends of the court. He pointed to the team’s defensive rotations and offensive ball movement as key areas for refinement, especially with several challenging matchups looming on the schedule. “We have to stay adaptive and build on what worked today, but also address where we can tighten up,” Borrego remarked during the postgame interview.
In breaking down upcoming opponents, Borrego noted specific tactical shifts the Pelicans will implement to exploit weaknesses and bolster resilience. These include:
- Increasing perimeter pressure to limit three-point opportunities.
- Leveraging faster transition plays to capitalize on turnovers.
- Optimizing player rotations to maintain energy and minimize foul troubles.
| Opponent | Key Adjustment | Targeted Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Mavericks | Clamp down on perimeter shooters | Reduce three-point efficiency |
| Utah Jazz | Exploit transition opportunities | Increase fast-break points |
| Denver Nuggets | Manage foul situations closely | Keep core players on the floor |
Closing Remarks
As the Pelicans face a critical stretch of their season, James Borrego’s postgame reflections following the 11/26 clash with the Grizzlies provide valuable insights into the team’s current mindset and areas for growth. While the result proved challenging, Borrego emphasized the importance of resilience and execution moving forward. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Pelicans respond in the coming weeks, as Borrego and his squad strive to solidify their standing in a competitive Western Conference.
