Key Takeaways:
- Zion Williamson led the New Orleans Pelicans with 24 points, scoring 10 consecutive points in a pivotal fourth-quarter stretch last night
- The Pelicans posted their fifth straight win, marking their longest winning streak since 2022, after starting the season 3-22
- Anthony Davis scored a season-high 35 points for the Dallas Mavericks
Fourth Quarter Turnaround Secures Pelicans’ Victory
The New Orleans Pelicans overturned an 87-79 deficit entering the fourth quarter by mounting a decisive 38-19 burst during the first 10 minutes and 24 seconds of the final period, clinching a 119-113 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Zion Williamson was instrumental during a critical passage, netting 10 consecutive points within a two-minute window to expand the Pelicans’ advantage.
Leading 105-103, Williamson powered through on five of the team’s next six possessions – highlighted by four forceful drives from the right flank – putting the Pelicans 117-106 ahead with 1:37 remaining. The win extends New Orleans’ season-best streak to five matches, a remarkable turnaround after beginning the campaign with a 3-22 record.
DUBS X5!!!!!#Pelicans | @HancockWhitney pic.twitter.com/2II0PCnwem
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) December 23, 2025
Stellar Individual Performances
Anthony Davis paced Dallas with a season-high 35 points, including an imposing 22-point first half, and accumulated 10 rebounds before the interval to notch a double-double. Klay Thompson contributed 20 points from the bench, making five of his first nine attempts from beyond the arc. The Mavericks had recovered from an initial 11-point deficit, seizing a 63-57 advantage at half-time.
For New Orleans, Derik Queen produced 19 points and pulled down 11 rebounds, whilst Saddiq Bey added 19 points alongside seven rebounds. Trey Murphy III ensured the result for the Pelicans with two decisive free throws with 10.4 seconds on the clock.
Key Match Statistics
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zion Williamson | Pelicans | 24 | 9 |
| Derik Queen | Pelicans | 19 | 11 |
| Saddiq Bey | Pelicans | 19 | 7 |
| Anthony Davis | Mavericks | 35 | 17 |
| Klay Thompson | Mavericks | 20 | 5 |
Looking Ahead
Next up, the Dallas Mavericks will host Denver on Tuesday. The New Orleans Pelicans will travel to Cleveland for their upcoming fixture, also on Tuesday.
