Key Takeaways:
- Zion Williamson matched his season-best with 29 points as New Orleans defeated Chicago 143-130
- The Pelicans stopped a nine-game losing streak with their first victory since 5 November
- Interim coach James Borrego secured his inaugural win at the Pelicans helm in his sixth match in charge
Streak Broken in High-Scoring Encounter
On Monday night in New Orleans, Zion Williamson produced a season-high equalling 29-point performance to drive the Pelicans to a 143-130 victory over the Chicago Bulls, halting a nine-game losing run and delivering the first triumph of James Borrego’s interim tenure as head coach.
Saddiq Bey contributed a double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds, converting a pair of crucial three-pointers late on to help preserve an advantage that peaked at 18 points with 5:15 remaining but narrowed to single digits in the closing two minutes.
Dub in the SKC!#Pelicans | @HancockWhitney pic.twitter.com/ShEx0SJcdw
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) November 25, 2025
Comprehensive Team Performance
The Pelicans, now standing at 3-15, posted a balanced scoring output that saw eight players reach double figures. Trey Murphy matched Bey with 20 points, Jose Alvarado chipped in 16, whilst Yves Missi recorded 14 points alongside 14 rebounds. Bryce McGowens and Micah Peavy added 11 and 10 points respectively.
The hosts surged to a commanding 22-point advantage in the second quarter, with Murphy completing a three-point play on a reverse layup after drawing a foul from Jalen Smith to make it 55-33. Although the Bulls cut into the deficit before the break, Williamson responded in the final moments of the half with a driving layup and a finger-roll, ensuring New Orleans maintained a 74-58 lead at the interval.
Chicago’s Long-Range Effort Falls Short
For Chicago, Ayo Dosunmu led the scoring with 28 points, while Coby White added 24. The Bulls collectively shot 20-from-50 from beyond the arc. Josh Giddey notched 21 points, Jalen Smith registered 13, and Tre Jones contributed 10 points alongside 11 assists coming off the bench.
Looking Ahead
The Chicago Bulls are set to visit the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night. The New Orleans Pelicans will welcome the Memphis Grizzlies to New Orleans on Wednesday night.
