Pelicans Snap Losing Streak in High-Octane Shootout
The New Orleans Pelicans finally broke their nine-game losing streak in dramatic fashion Monday night, overpowering the Chicago Bulls 143-130 in a game that felt more like an offensive showcase than a defensive battle. The win marks the first for interim coach James Borrego, who took over after Willie Green’s firing earlier this month, and it couldn’t have come at a better time for a team desperate for momentum.
Zion Williamson Leads the Charge
Zion Williamson was the undisputed star, tying his season high with
29 points and delivering the kind of explosive performance Pelicans fans have been craving. Williamson’s relentless drives and acrobatic finishes set the tone early, helping New Orleans build a commanding lead that stretched to 22 points in the second quarter. His ability to attack the rim and finish through contact was on full display, as highlighted in post-game reels and social media buzz.
But it wasn’t just Zion. The Pelicans saw
eight players score in double figures, with Saddiq Bey contributing 20 points and 14 rebounds, Trey Murphy adding 20 points, and Jose Alvarado coming off the bench for 16 points and 8 assists. Yves Missi also impressed with a double-double (14 points, 14 rebounds), giving New Orleans a much-needed edge on the glass—a critical factor with Bulls center Nikola Vučević sidelined.
Bulls’ Hot Shooting Not Enough
The Bulls, meanwhile, put up a valiant fight behind
Ayo Dosunmu’s 28 points and
Coby White’s 24, draining 20 three-pointers on 50 attempts. Josh Giddey chipped in 21 points, and Tre Jones orchestrated the offense with 11 assists. Despite their perimeter success, Chicago struggled to contain the Pelicans’ inside attack and was
outrebounded by 22, a glaring weakness without Vučević anchoring the paint.
Chicago managed to trim the Pelicans’ lead to single digits in the final minutes, but clutch threes from Bey and steady ball movement allowed New Orleans to close out the win as fans at the Smoothie King Center erupted in celebration.
What This Means for Both Teams
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Pelicans: The victory is a much-needed morale boost and could signal a turning point under Borrego’s leadership. With Williamson healthy and the supporting cast stepping up, New Orleans has the pieces to climb out of the Western Conference basement.
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Bulls: Chicago’s offensive firepower is undeniable, but defensive lapses and rebounding woes remain major concerns. The absence of Vučević was felt, and the team will need to regroup quickly as they head to Charlotte for their next matchup.
Key Stats
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|------------------|--------|----------|---------|
| Zion Williamson | 29 | 6 | 4 |
| Saddiq Bey | 20 | 14 | 2 |
| Trey Murphy | 20 | 5 | 3 |
| Ayo Dosunmu | 28 | 3 | 4 |
| Coby White | 24 | 4 | 5 |
Expert Commentary
This game was a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NBA. The Pelicans, written off after a brutal losing streak, showed resilience and depth. Williamson’s performance was a statement—he’s still one of the league’s most electrifying talents when healthy. For the Bulls, the loss exposes their vulnerability inside and raises questions about their defensive identity moving forward.
What’s Next?
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Bulls: Visit the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night.
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Pelicans: Host the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.
If the Pelicans can build on this win, the Western Conference playoff picture could get a lot more interesting. For Chicago, the road ahead demands answers on defense and rebounding—or more nights like this could be in store.
Sources
1. Chicago Bulls vs. New Orleans Pelicans Live Score and Stats
2. 2024 Winter Program Guide
3. Zion Williamson Highlights vs. Chicago Bulls 11/24/25
4. Vooch-less Bulls struggle to contain Pelicans, fall 143-130
5. Chicago Bulls vs New Orleans Pelicans Full Game Highlights
6. Pelicans 143-130 Bulls (Nov 24, 2025) Game Recap
7. New Orleans Pelicans v Chicago Bulls LIVE 25/11/2025
