Suddenly solid Pelicans try to take down Mavericks

Escaping from the Western Conference basement, the New Orleans Pelicans look to extend their winning streak to five games on Monday when they host the Dallas Mavericks.

After dropping 22 of 25 games to begin the season, New Orleans has won four straight with a chance to post its longest winning streak since a five-game stretch in March 2023.

Since the team's dismal start to the season ended head coach Willie Green's tenure in New Orleans, the Pelicans are playing with a new mantra as the calendar year winds down, and interim head coach James Borrego wants the group to keep its foot on the gas.

"Pleased but never satisfied. I think that's the mentality right now," Borrego said. "I'm pleased with the progress. I'm pleased with these four games. I'm proud of the effort. This is not to pat ourselves on the back and be satisfied. We're onto the next challenge. We'll come back in Monday refreshed and eager to take on a very good opponent in Dallas."

New Orleans is 5-12 since Borrego took over on Nov. 15. In another season marred by injuries, Zion Williamson is back from an adductor injury and starring in a new role. The former No. 1 overall pick has come off the bench for the first three games in his NBA career, pouring in 29 points in the Pelicans' 128-109 win over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday.

For Williamson, the approach hasn't changed despite the lineup alteration.

"With the minutes that I do have, trying to get the most out of those, especially allowing me to close the game, (Borrego) is still letting me be myself," Williamson said. "He still lets me be Zion. Even with me coming off the bench in this little stint, he's communicated with me. I trust him and the process he has."

Williamson's 21.3 points per game lead New Orleans, while Trey Murphy III adds 21.2.

Dallas has also pulled itself from the gutter, winners in six of nine after a 5-15 start. The team fell 121-114 to the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, beginning a six-game stretch that will see the Mavericks play five away from home.

Top overall draft pick Cooper Flagg turned 19 on Sunday, but has been playing far beyond his experience of late. Flagg scored 24 points in the loss to Philadelphia, and is averaging 29.7 points, seven rebounds and 4.3 assists across Dallas' last three outings.

Flagg is questionable for Monday's game due to a back contusion.

The Mavericks committed 18 turnovers on Saturday, falling after scoring just 17 fourth-quarter points.

"We need to take care of the ball, for sure," Flagg said. "18 turnovers is way too many. We've got to clean that up, a lot. There were a couple gameplan things (on Saturday) that we didn't follow and it ended up hurting us."

Flagg's 18.8 ppg clip ranks second among rookies only to former Duke teammate, and now Charlotte Hornets first-year player, Kon Knueppel's 19.4.

Anthony Davis' 19.9 points per game and 11.2 rebounds per game pace Dallas.