The windows that NBA players operate in are as thin as the space between two fence posts. For the most part, completely clean looks exist only in theory. Defenders who make mistakes are still long and quick enough to make up much of the ground they might have ceded. Nicolo Melli struggled with this at first, but after a rocky start to his NBA career, he is now acclimating.

The Pelicans have encouraged the 6-foot-9 Italian to not be shy about shooting. He is finally firing away. In Sunday’s 115-101 win over the Warriors, Melli made 6 of 7 from 3-point range. He contributed 20 points off the bench to help New Orleans turn a 10-point halftime deficit into a double-digit victory against one of the NBA’s worst team. Melli drilled four 3-pointers in the second half, which New Orleans won 69-45.