The New Orleans Pelicans are learning to close games in adverse conditions, even without three of their top scorers at times.
The Pelicans have battled back from double digit deficits 7 times overall this season, five times just in 2015.
Pelicans, Largest Comeback Wins When Trailing at Any Point in Game - 2014-15
| Deficit | Date/Winner/Loser | Trail | Final Score |
| 18 | 02/23/2015 NO vs Tor | 33-51 | 100-97 |
| 14 | 12/16/2014 NO vs Uta | 78-92 | 119-111 |
| 12 | 02/06/2015 NO at OKC | 64-76 | 116-113 |
| 12 | 01/18/2015 NO at Tor | 73-85 | 95-93 |
| 12 | 11/18/2014 NO at Sac | 10-22 | 106-100 |
| 10 | 02/27/2015 NO vs Mia | 72-82 | 104-102 |
| 10 | 01/23/2015 NO at Min | 5-15 | 92-84 |
Head coach Monty Williams hopes this trend can become a consistent trait for this young squad. If so, he says it's a true sign of growth.
"It can be," Williams said. "We've had troubles in years past with that â whether it was a defensive flaw, not making shots or just not executing down the stretch."
Alexis Ajinca says he and his teammates believe they've turned a corner.
"Yes I think so," Ajinca said. "Last year we had a completely different team, and we had problems closing games. This year we have a different identity and focus. We know how to finish strong."
Ajinca was key in the Pelicans last come-from-behind win Friday night over the Miami Heat. Ajinca scored a career high 24 points.
"My teammates were finding me in the right positions, and I needed to finish," Ajinca said. "I was playing with a lot of confidence. Once I saw one or two baskets go in, I just kept shooting."
Ajinca's new career high comes as he battles to find minutes. He's played the majority of the time in some games because of injuries to his teammates, then not played at all in following contests.
"You have to stay in the gym, regardless of whether you play 5 minutes or 30 minutes," Ajinca said. "You have to stay ready. The situation is that I don't know what's going to happen each game, but I have to stay focused just in case."
Williams says he credits his assistants for working tirelessly in the gym on off days with players who aren't getting work during games. Given the injuries to Anthony Davis, Ryan Anderson and Jrue Holiday, that developmental time with the bench is now crucial.
"Alexis is in such better condition this year," Williams said. "He's always been a skill player, but now he's in better shape to handle the rigors of getting up and down the court and matching up with bigger guys. His footwork and game in the post are much improved. Now he just needs to get consistent."
Ajinca seems to be making the most of his opportunities.
He's played 20 minutes or more ten times this season. In those contests, Ajinca is averaging 14.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and .09 blocks per game.
MORE FROM FOX SPORTS SOUTHWEST:
- Ranking NFL quarterback salaries
- College football's highest paid coaches in 2014
- Oldest player on every NBA team
- Highest paid player of each NBA team
- Ten reasons why we're glad baseball is back
