The New Orleans Pelicans snapped a nine-game losing streak with a thrilling 143-130 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Zion Lateef Williamson poured in 29 points — tying his season high — to lead a balanced offensive explosion that finally gave the franchise something to celebrate after weeks of frustration. The win wasn’t just about ending the skid; it was the first under interim head coach James Edward Borrego, who had endured six straight losses since replacing fired coach Willie Jason Green on November 14. Fans rose to their feet as the clock bled down, a rare moment of catharsis for a team that had been the NBA’s worst at .167 winning percentage.
A Team That Finally Found Its Rhythm
The Pelicans didn’t just win — they overwhelmed. Eight players scored in double figures, a level of offensive balance rarely seen in the modern NBA. Williamson was electric, hitting drives, drawing fouls, and finishing through contact. But it was the supporting cast that made the difference. Saddiq Bey chipped in 20 points and a game-high 14 rebounds, while Trey Murphy III added another 20, including a thunderous three-point play that stretched the lead to 22 in the second quarter. Jose Alvarado came off the bench with 16 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds — a spark that turned the tide early. Even Yves Missi, the 7-footer, grabbed 14 boards and scored 14 points, anchoring the paint.The First Half That Broke the Bulls
New Orleans didn’t wait for a late rally. They came out firing. The Pelicans led 37-30 after the first quarter, then exploded for another 37 in the second, turning a tight game into a blowout. Murphy’s three-point play off a reverse layup — drawing a foul from Jalen Smith — made it 55-33, and the crowd roared. Williamson capped the half with a finger-roll that sent the arena into a frenzy. At halftime, it was 74-58, and the Bulls looked shell-shocked. Chicago’s defense, usually reliable, collapsed under the weight of constant movement and relentless drives. The Pelicans shot 51% from the field in the first half, while the Bulls, despite 40% from three, couldn’t keep pace with the pace and precision of New Orleans’ attack.Bulls Fight Back — But Too Little, Too Late
Chicago didn’t go quietly. Ayo Lawrence Dosunmu dropped 28 points, and Coby LaRue White added 24, hitting clutch shots when the game was on the line. Josh Giddey chipped in 21, and Tre Jones, playing off the bench, dished 11 assists. The Bulls made 20 of 50 threes — an impressive 40% — and outrebounded the Pelicans 45-36. But turnovers (19 to New Orleans’ 23) and poor late-game execution cost them. With under two minutes left, they cut the lead to 10. But then Saddiq Bey hit back-to-back threes — one from the corner, one from the wing — to seal it. The crowd, which had been silent for weeks, erupted. No one wanted to leave early.What This Win Means for the Pelicans
This wasn’t just a win. It was a lifeline. The Pelicans are now 3-15, still dead last in the Southwest Division and 9.5 games out of a playoff spot. But morale? That’s changing. After six losses under Borrego, players began to believe again. The coaching staff emphasized ball movement, spacing, and defensive discipline — and for the first time since November 5, it paid off. Williamson, who’s been playing through ankle soreness and heavy defensive attention, looked like the MVP candidate he was in 2023. The bench, long criticized for being flat, delivered. And the fans? They remembered what it felt like to cheer for something real.
What’s Next? A Tough Road Ahead
The Pelicans host the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, November 26 — a team that’s been playing well and is hungry for playoff positioning. The Bulls, meanwhile, travel to the Spectrum Center in Charlotte to face the Hornets on Friday. For New Orleans, this win doesn’t fix their season. But it proves they’re not done fighting. And in a season where hope has been in short supply, that matters.Behind the Numbers: The Real Story
The box score tells part of the tale. The Pelicans shot 53-of-104 from the field (51%), hit 13-of-35 threes (37.1%), and converted 24-of-35 free throws (68.6%). They had 21 assists and 10 blocks — a sign of unselfish play and defensive energy. The Bulls shot better from the field (55%) and were perfect from the line (28-of-33, 84.8%), but their 19 turnovers were deadly. And while they had 28 assists, they lacked the same rhythm. The difference? New Orleans had five players with 10+ points in the first half. Chicago didn’t. That’s leadership. That’s chemistry. That’s what Borrego has been trying to build.Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is this win for Zion Williamson’s season?
This was Williamson’s highest-scoring game since early November and his most efficient outing of the season, shooting 11-of-18 from the field. After weeks of being double-teamed and physically worn down, his ability to finish through contact and stay on the floor for 32 minutes signals a potential turning point. If he can maintain this level of play, the Pelicans’ playoff hopes — though slim — become more plausible.
Why did James Borrego get hired as interim coach?
Borrego was brought in after Willie Green’s firing because of his prior head coaching experience with the Charlotte Hornets (2018–2022) and his reputation for developing young talent. The Pelicans, with a roster full of emerging players like Williamson and Missi, needed someone who could instill structure without stifling creativity. His calm demeanor and offensive philosophy aligned with what front office officials believed the team needed.
What does this mean for the Pelicans’ future roster decisions?
With a 3-15 record, New Orleans holds the NBA’s worst winning percentage, giving them a strong chance at a top-five draft pick in 2026. This win may delay trade talks involving veterans like Bey or Murphy, as the front office now has to weigh development against potential draft capital. But if Williamson continues to play at this level, the team might prioritize keeping their core intact rather than rebuilding outright.
How did the Bulls’ defense collapse so badly?
Chicago’s defense was out of sync. They overhelped on Williamson, leaving shooters open, and their rotations were slow. Jalen Smith, their primary rim protector, picked up four fouls in the first half and was ineffective. Meanwhile, Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White were forced into isolation plays late, which played into New Orleans’ strength — forcing tough shots. The Bulls’ 19 turnovers were the death knell.
Is this win a fluke, or a sign of real improvement?
It’s too early to call it a turnaround, but the offensive balance and defensive effort suggest this wasn’t a fluke. Eight double-figure scorers, 21 assists, and a 51% shooting night indicate a system working. If Borrego can sustain this level of play — especially with key players staying healthy — the Pelicans might start winning close games, not just blowouts.
What’s the emotional impact on the city of New Orleans?
After years of playoff hopes and then collapse — from the Anthony Davis trade to the injuries that sidelined Williamson — this win felt like a return to identity. Fans who had stopped showing up started streaming social media highlights. Local radio stations played the game’s final two minutes on loop. For a city that’s seen so much loss, this was more than basketball. It was a reminder that resilience still exists.