New Orleans Pelicans : The New Orleans Pelicans stunned the Chicago Bulls on Monday night with a high-octane 143-130 victory, snapping their nine-game losing streak and marking their first win under interim head coach James Borrego. A balanced scoring effort and standout performances helped the Pelicans regain momentum in a tight NBA season battle.
Zion Williamson Leads the Charge
Zion Williamson was electric for the Pelicans, tying his season-high with 29 points. His aggressive drives and rim attacks kept the Bulls’ defense on constant alert. Williamson’s scoring spree included crucial baskets that helped maintain a comfortable lead, especially in the first half when the Pelicans took control of the game.
His energy on both ends of the floor set the tone for New Orleans, providing the spark that propelled the team past their struggling streak.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
While Williamson grabbed the headlines, Saddiq Bey delivered a dominant double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds, including two critical three-pointers in the closing minutes to stave off a Bulls comeback. His ability to stretch the floor and rebound effectively was vital for the Pelicans’ balanced attack.
Contributions came from several players with eight Pelicans scoring in double figures:
- Trey Murphy scored 20 points, igniting runs with his sharpshooting.
- Jose Alvarado added 16 points, controlling the pace as a dynamic playmaker.
- Yves Pons posted 14 points and 14 rebounds with fierce defensive effort.
- Bryce McGowens and Micah Peavy also chipped in double-digit points.
This collective effort showcased New Orleans’ depth and versatility despite their season struggles.
Bulls’ Attempts to Rally
The Chicago Bulls fought valiantly, propelled by Ayo Dosunmu’s 28 points and Coby White’s 24-point contribution. The Bulls made 20 out of 50 three-point attempts, including critical shots that kept their hopes alive in the second half.
Josh Giddey added 21 points and Jalen Smith 13, while Tre Jones provided a solid boost with 10 points and 11 assists off the bench. Despite their scoring efforts, the Bulls were unable to overcome the Pelicans’ lead, which at times extended to as much as 22 points in the second quarter.
Key Moments and Game Flow
The game really swung in the Pelicans’ favor during the second quarter. Trey Murphy made an impressive 3-point play on a reverse layup despite being fouled, pushing New Orleans to a 55-33 lead. The Bulls tried to chip away, but Williamson’s finger rolls and driving layups helped seal a 74-58 lead at halftime for the Pelicans.
In the fourth quarter, the Bulls narrowed the gap but could not fully close it, thanks to Bey’s late threes and timely rebounds by New Orleans.
Coaching and Team Outlook
This win marks interim coach James Borrego’s first victory after six tough games. His balanced offensive approach and defensive adjustments paid off as the Pelicans showed energy and resilience.
The Pelicans improve to 3-15, a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season, while the Bulls slip to 9-8. New Orleans hopes this win can revive their season and build confidence heading into tougher matchups.
Next games:
- Bulls to face the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night.
- Pelicans host the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.
What This Means for the Pelicans
Snapping a nine-game skid is a pivotal moment for the Pelicans. Though still near the bottom of their conference, the team’s ability to distribute scoring and maintain leads signals potential growth under Borrego’s leadership.
If Zion Williamson and his teammates continue their cohesive play, the Pelicans could start turning their season around and challenge opponents more consistently.
The New Orleans Pelicans’ emphatic 143-130 victory over the Chicago Bulls showcased a team determined to fight through adversity. Zion Williamson’s season-high scoring and Saddiq Bey’s clutch shooting propelled the Pelicans to a much-needed win, breaking their losing streak and giving fans hope for the remainder of the season.
With several players contributing double-digit points and solid team defense, the Pelicans demonstrated promising signs of progress as they look to build momentum in November and December’s critical stretch of games.
