Key Takeaways:
- Trey Murphy III and Jeremiah Fears both contributed 20 points as New Orleans defeated Chicago 114-104
- The Pelicans have now secured consecutive wins, improving their record to 5-22 following a seven-game losing streak
- Zion Williamson made his return from injury with 18 points, helping to seal the win over the Bulls
Match Analysis
On Sunday night in Chicago, the New Orleans Pelicans clinched a 114-104 victory over the Bulls, marking their second straight win. Trey Murphy III registered a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while rookie Jeremiah Fears added 20 points to the tally. This result brings the Pelicans’ record to 5-22 following a bleak seven-game losing stretch. New Orleans have now defeated Chicago twice this season.
DUBS x2 #Pelicans | @HancockWhitney pic.twitter.com/FpsQxTkqWN
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) December 15, 2025
Player Performances
Zion Williamson returned to action after missing five games due to a right hip adductor strain. The 2019 NBA top draft pick played 26 minutes and 37 seconds, coming off the bench 4:35 into the first quarter. Williamson notched 18 points in his comeback, including a crucial stretch of seven points to help New Orleans pull away in the closing moments, capped by his emphatic dunk with just 37 seconds remaining.
Jordan Poole contributed 16 points for New Orleans as well. The Pelicans demonstrated their dominance on the boards with a 53-43 rebounding edge, and overwhelmed the Bulls in the paint, outscoring them 60-46.
For Chicago, Coby White matched the game-high with 20 points, and Kevin Huerter marked his return from a left adductor strain by scoring 16 points off the bench. The Bulls experienced their eighth loss in nine games in spite of taking a brief lead early in the fourth quarter.
Statistical Overview
| Team | Points | Rebounds | Paint Points | Field Goal % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Pelicans | 114 | 53 | 60 | 45.7% |
| Chicago Bulls | 104 | 43 | 46 | 41.3% |
Game Progression
New Orleans held a 76-75 advantage after three quarters and had surged to a 13-point lead just over five minutes into the third. However, Coby White led a charge for Chicago, initiating a 16-2 run to keep the game tight. The Bulls edged ahead by three points early in the final period before the Pelicans regained momentum and ultimately secured the result in the closing moments.
By half-time, New Orleans led 52-47 after building a late nine-point margin in the second quarter. Williamson started to impose himself late in the first half, scoring eight of his 11 first-half points in the final four minutes.
Looking Ahead
- The Pelicans will host Houston on Thursday
- The Bulls are set to welcome Cleveland on Wednesday
