It’s a small sample size.

But five games into the NBA season and New Orleans Pelicans’ forward Zion Williamson is leading the league in steals.

Williamson is averaging 3.2 steals per game. He recorded five steals in Thursday’s 132-120 victory over the Sacramento Kings. That was one shy of tying his career-best six steals in a win against the Golden State Warriors in the 2023-’24 season. His five steals Thursday came in the first game of the season with defensive stopper Herb Jones in the starting lineup.

“I think he’s been tenacious,” said Pelicans’ head coach Jamahl Mosley. “I think he’s been excited about how he can play and what he can do to help this team get over the hump in some games.”

Williamson is one of just two players in the NBA averaging at least three steals per game in this young season. The other is Atlanta Hawks guard (and former Pelican) Dyson Daniels, who is averaging exactly 3 steals per game.

While Williamson leads the league, the Pelicans as a team are also towards the top in that category. The Pelicans are second in the league in steals.

The Pels average 13.4 steals per game. The Toronto Raptors lead the league at 14.3 per game.

“We’re getting the steals because we’re in position,” Mosley said. “We’re not getting them because we’re gambling. That’s the best part about it. The system is providing them the opportunity to do the things they need to do because they know where  everyone is on the floor.”

The Pelicans (1-4) host the Hawks (3-3) on Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Smoothie King Center.