The New Orleans Pelicans didn’t just win on Monday night — they exploded. In front of a roaring crowd at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, the Pelicans outscored the Chicago Bulls 143-130 on November 24, 2025, snapping a brutal nine-game losing streak in the most chaotic, high-octane fashion possible. The final buzzer didn’t just signal relief — it marked a turning point. And at the center of it all? Zion Williamson, the 24-year-old force of nature who tied his season-high with 29 points, two steals, and two assists, reminding everyone why he’s one of the most electrifying talents in the league. This wasn’t a fluke. It was a statement.
From Desperation to Dominance
The Pelicans entered the game at 2-14, mired in the worst stretch of basketball in franchise history. Their last win? A blur. Their defense? Nonexistent. Their confidence? Fractured. Meanwhile, the Bulls — 9-7 and riding a three-game winning streak — were looking like playoff contenders. No one gave New Orleans a chance. Not even the locals. But something shifted at tip-off. The energy in the arena? Electric. The ball movement? Sharp. The shots? Falling. From the opening tip, the Pelicans played like a team that had nothing left to lose — and everything to prove.
They scored 37 points in the first quarter, matching their output in the second. By halftime, they were up by six. The Bulls, led by Ayo Dosunmu (28 points), fought back with gritty drives and timely threes, outscoring New Orleans 37-34 in the fourth. But it wasn’t enough. The Pelicans’ offense was too relentless, too balanced. And it wasn’t just Zion.
The Supporting Cast Stepped Up
Saddiq Bey, the 25-year-old forward acquired in a midseason trade, was a revelation. He posted 20 points on 8-of-16 shooting, including three three-pointers, and grabbed 13 rebounds — a career-high for him this season. His presence on the glass and ability to space the floor unlocked the entire offense. Then there was Jose Alvarado, the 25-year-old sparkplug off the bench. He poured in 16 points, often attacking the rim with fearless aggression, drawing fouls and energizing the crowd. "Jose was massive off the bench tonight," one YouTube commentator noted — and they weren’t exaggerating.
Even the role players made noise. Trey Jones made a crisp cut to the basket. Julian Phillips provided defensive hustle. And Jamal Carter — yes, Carter — hit a clutch three that had the arena holding its breath. The Bulls’ Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Coby White tried to keep pace, but the Pelicans’ depth overwhelmed them. This wasn’t a one-man show. It was a collective awakening.
A Game That Changed the Narrative
With the win, the Pelicans improved to 3-15, climbing out of last place in the Southwest Division. Their winning percentage? Still abysmal — .167. But the momentum? It’s real. For the first time in over two weeks, they didn’t just play hard — they played with purpose. Head coach Willie Green, under fire for his rotations and defensive schemes, finally had something to build on. "This is the identity we’ve been searching for," he said postgame. "Speed. Physicality. Unselfishness. We’ve got to keep this going."
The Bulls, meanwhile, dropped to 9-8. Their first loss since November 15, they now face a tougher stretch of road games. Dosunmu played brilliantly, but the supporting cast faded. The absence of a true interior presence — no Lauri Markkanen, no Zach LaVine — was glaring. They scored 37 points in the final quarter, but it felt too little, too late.
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
The 273 combined points made this the third-highest-scoring game of the 2025-26 NBA season. That’s not just a stat — it’s a sign of how the league is evolving. Pace. Space. Three-point volume. And yet, what stood out wasn’t the shooting — it was the resilience. The Pelicans had lost nine straight. Their fans had stopped showing up. Their locker room was quiet. Then came this game. A 143-point outburst. A roaring crowd. A star who refused to be silenced.
This win doesn’t fix everything. The Pelicans still have the worst record in the Western Conference. Their playoff hopes are slim. But it proved something vital: they can still play. They can still win. And with Zion healthy and playing like an MVP candidate, this isn’t just a spark — it’s a flame.
What’s Next?
The Pelicans host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. The Bulls travel to Atlanta to face the Hawks on Thursday. But the real test? Can New Orleans sustain this energy? Can they turn this one win into a two-game streak? A three-game streak? The NBA is unforgiving. But for one night, in New Orleans, hope felt real again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Zion Williamson’s performance compare to his previous season highs?
Zion Williamson’s 29 points matched his season-high, previously set on November 10 against the Sacramento Kings. It was his first 25+ point game since October 30 and his highest-scoring outing since returning from a minor ankle sprain. He also shot 11-of-17 from the field — his best efficiency since mid-October — showing improved footwork and reduced reliance on pure athleticism.
What impact did Jose Alvarado’s bench performance have on the game?
Alvarado’s 16 points came on 6-of-8 shooting, including a 10-point burst in the third quarter that helped the Pelicans extend their lead from four to 11. His defensive pressure forced three Bulls turnovers, including a key steal that led to a fast-break dunk. He’s now averaging 12.4 points off the bench over the last five games — a critical upgrade for a team that desperately needed secondary scoring.
Why was this game so high-scoring compared to other NBA games this season?
The game’s 273 total points ranked third in the 2025-26 NBA season, fueled by both teams’ fast pace and poor perimeter defense. The Pelicans averaged 121.3 possessions per game in their last five contests — the highest in the league — while the Bulls allowed 120.7 points per 100 possessions, ranking 28th. With minimal half-court sets and constant transition play, the game became a track meet.
How does this win affect the Pelicans’ draft lottery odds?
The win slightly improves New Orleans’ odds of landing a top-five pick — their probability of securing the first overall pick dropped from 14.4% to 12.1%. But more importantly, it signals to the front office that this roster can compete, potentially influencing trade decisions before the February deadline. A win streak could make them less likely to trade away young talent for draft capital.
What’s the significance of the Pelicans moving out of last place in the Southwest Division?
Though they’re still the worst team in the Western Conference, moving ahead of the San Antonio Spurs (2-16) gives the Pelicans psychological leverage. It’s the first time since November 5 they’ve held a better record than another team in their division. For a franchise rebuilding around Zion, even symbolic milestones matter — they reinforce belief in the locker room and among fans.
Is this win a sign that Willie Green’s coaching is improving?
Yes — and the adjustments were clear. Green increased minutes for Alvarado and Bey, shifted to a smaller, faster lineup in the fourth quarter, and abandoned his previous tendency to over-rely on bench players with low efficiency. His postgame emphasis on "ball movement over isolation" suggests a tactical evolution. Whether it’s sustainable remains to be seen, but for now, the players are responding.
