METAIRIE, La. -- New Orleans Pelicans owner Tom Benson has sent a letter of support to Pelicans coach Monty Williams and general manager Dell Demps following the club's first playoff appearance in four seasons.

In the letter, obtained by The Associated Press, Benson thanks basketball operations staff and players for "a job well done" and says he's "very excited about the future."

Benson also says staff and players have his word and resolve "to bring everything to bear to win."

The letter, first reported by Nola.com, was sent after the Pelicans' first-round playoff loss to Golden State.

Williams has one year left on his contract and has not discussed whether he's in any extension talks.

Williams says the club is moving in the right direction after winning 11 more games than last season.