The New Orleans Pelicans are 5-1 over their last six games, and look much better compared to where they were right after the trade for DeMarcus Cousins. A lot of that has to do with the offense, and the Pelicans’ newest All-Star big man starting to gel. And the addition of “Michael” “Instant Grits” Jordan Crawford has added a spark as well.

So, let’s take a quick look at a play and breakdown why it worked so perfectly.

The play starts with Jrue Holiday up top and able to run the pick and roll with either DeMarcus Cousins or Anthony Davis. Jordan Crawford is on the left wing, and Solomon Hill in the left corner loading up that side.

As Holiday dribbles to his right, not really testing or probing the defense, Anthony Davis rolls. Take a look at how many defenders are paying attention to him.Marc Gasol stays with him for a second but cannot continue otherwise he leaves Cousins wide open for a three up top. But 3 other defenders try and crowd Davis out of the paint. Look how Crawford and Hill’s defenders leave them wide open to help on Davis.

There are too many bodies in the passing lane between Holiday and Hill, so Hill smartly steps out in between Crawford and his defender. Once Holiday sees Hill set the screen he fires a pass over. Crawford’s defender tries to close out, but Hill’s screen prevents it. It leads to a wide open Crawford shot which he sinks.

It’s not a designed play out of a timeout. This is an example of people understanding what’s happening on the court and where they should be. Chemistry being developed by teammates. There is only one pass made during the play, but the most important thing is off-ball movement and court positioning. And every single Pelican contributed.