Pelicans forward Herb Jones states early case for All-Defensive NBA honors with dominant performance
Pelicans forward Herb Jones is one of the league's best defenders, but you wouldn't know that by looking at his accolades. After being snubbed for a spot on an All-Defensive team last season, Jones isn't going to be ignored this year.
In a 125-116 win on the second night of a back-to-back over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday, Jones led the Pelicans by filling up the stat sheet. He had 21 points on 6-of-7 shooting (including 9-of-9 on free throws). That only scratches the surface of his phenomenal night.
He also had five rebounds, four blocks and three steals; per StatMuse, his seven combined blocks and steals tied a career-high and he's fifth in "stocks" since his rookie season (2021-22).
Jones was all over the Pistons, blocking shots in the paint, stealing passes on the fly and stripping the ball on drives.
The outstanding effort was essential for a Pelicans team without its two best players, Brandon Ingram (knee) and Zion Williamson (rest). New Orleans played on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, erasing a 22-point second-quarter deficit in a 110-106 win.
Jones helped fuel that comeback with some excellent defensive plays, showing great effort in a 47-25 game by blocking a three-pointer. Later, he locked down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on a potential winning field-goal attempt.
Anyone familiar with Jones knows his performances over the past two games are nothing new. He's been an excellent defender since entering the league. It isn't his fault that he's been overlooked for league honors outside of an appearance on the All-Rookie Second Team.
With performances like the ones he had on Wednesday and Thursday, Jones won't be overlooked much longer.
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