Jalen Brunson’s Double-Double Helps Knicks to 130-125 Victory Over Pelicans

Key Takeaways:

• Jalen Brunson delivered 28 points and 10 assists, sealing the Knicks’ win in the final moments
• Zion Williamson scored a season-high 32 points as the Pelicans suffered their fourth consecutive defeat
• Mohamed Diawara achieved a career-best 18 points in his third career start for New York

Match Analysis

On Monday night in New Orleans, Jalen Brunson led the New York Knicks to a 130-125 triumph against the Pelicans, finishing with a pivotal double-double. Brunson rounded off his performance with a driving floater and a crucial layup in the closing 1:06, enabling New York to seize the lead late while posting 28 points and 10 assists.

OG Anunoby contributed significantly with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Mohamed Diawara impressed with a career-high 18 points. Karl-Anthony Towns also secured a double-double, collecting 12 points and 12 rebounds as the Knicks extended their winning streak to three games.

let the play do the talking.

VOTE KNICKS FOR #NBAAllStar ⭐️ https://t.co/Ov3esq1i8z pic.twitter.com/O9W3WjQ4Ks

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 30, 2025

Pelicans’ Standout Efforts

Zion Williamson was New Orleans’ top performer, registering a season-high 32 points in the contest. Despite strong showings from Saddiq Bey and Jordan Poole, who each notched 26 points, and Trey Murphy III with 21 points, the Pelicans were unable to end their losing streak, now at four consecutive games.

The opening stages witnessed a flurry of offence, with Bey tallying 23 points in the first quarter alone. However, defensive intensity escalated after halftime, keeping the margin between teams within 10 points throughout the evening.

Key Moments and Decisive Plays

At halftime, New Orleans led 75-72, as both sides shot at least 50% from the field. With only 3:36 left, the score was locked at 117 following exchanged three-pointers by Poole and Brunson. Brunson’s own missed three-pointer led to a crucial running floater, giving New York a 124-121 edge with just over a minute remaining. Williamson responded with free throws, but Brunson answered again by driving for a layup, and Miles McBride contributed 14 points, sinking four free throws in the last 16 seconds to secure the win.

Diawara’s 13 first-quarter points also stood out, marking a breakout performance in only his third NBA start. Meanwhile, Pelicans guard and New York native Jose Alvarado did not feature as he served a two-game suspension following a fight on Saturday night with Phoenix’s Mark Williams.

Statistical Overview

What’s Next?

• The Knicks will visit the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night
• The Pelicans will head to Chicago to face the Bulls on Wednesday night