The New Orleans Pelicans snapped a nine-game losing streak in stunning fashion on Monday, November 24, 2025, crushing the Chicago Bulls 143-130 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Zion Williamson, the 24-year-old force of nature, tied his season high with 29 points, while Saddiq Bey added 20 points and 14 rebounds — including two clutch three-pointers in the final two minutes — to seal the deal. It was the first win under interim coach James Borrego, who took over after the November 14 firing of Willie Green. Fans erupted as the clock bled down, many standing for the first time since November 5 — 19 days and nine losses ago.
A Franchise at a Crossroads
The Pelicans entered this game at 2-15, the worst record in the Western Conference. They’d lost 16 straight as underdogs this season, winning just one. Their average home score? 111.3 points. The Bulls, at 9-7, were 5.5-point favorites. No one expected this. Not the oddsmakers. Not the analysts. Not even the most loyal fans in the lower bowl. But here’s the thing: New Orleans had won their last 10 home games against Chicago by at least 8.5 points. History doesn’t always repeat — but sometimes, it whispers.
The Second Quarter Explosion
The Pelicans didn’t just win — they dominated. Trey Murphy III turned a fast break into a reverse layup-and-one, making it 55-33 late in the second quarter. The crowd was deafening. Williamson, who’d been quietly efficient, then delivered back-to-back finishes — a driving layup, then a silky finger-roll — to push the lead to 16 at halftime. The Bulls, who’d been averaging 120.8 points per game, looked lost. They shot 47.2% on the season; they were at 43% by halftime. New Orleans, meanwhile, was shooting 51% and dominating the glass: 31 rebounds to Chicago’s 15 at the break.
The Collapse That Wasn’t
Here’s where it got tense. With 5:15 left, the Pelicans led 127-109 — an 18-point cushion. Then came the Bulls’ rally. DeMar DeRozan hit two mid-range jumpers. Zach LaVine drained a three. A steal led to a fast-break dunk. The lead shrank to 135-127 with 1:45 to go. The arena held its breath. But then Bey, the quiet veteran acquired in a midseason trade, caught the ball at the top of the key, stepped back, and buried a three. Then, 22 seconds later, he did it again. Two shots. Two points. The game was over. The Bulls had failed to cover the spread in three straight games when favored. And now, they’d lost their fourth straight game when favored by 5.5 or more. The pattern was clear: Chicago’s offense sputters under pressure. New Orleans’ defense? It didn’t matter. They won with heart.
Numbers That Tell the Real Story
The box score was lopsided in ways that mattered:
- Rebounds: Pelicans 55, Bulls 33 — a 22-rebound advantage, the largest margin of the season for New Orleans.
- Free throws: Pelicans 24-of-35 (69%), Bulls 24-of-32 (75%) — the Pelicans got to the line more often, and kept their composure.
- Three-pointers: Bulls hit 20-of-50 (40%), Pelicans 13-of-35 (37%) — Chicago shot more, but didn’t have the margin.
- Turnovers: Bulls 3, Pelicans 13 — New Orleans was sloppy, but they didn’t let it cost them.
- Steals: Pelicans 13, Bulls 3 — a statement. They forced Chicago into mistakes.
It wasn’t pretty. But it was effective. And for a team that had lost 13 of its last 14 games, “effective” was enough.
What This Means for the Pelicans
This win doesn’t fix their roster. It doesn’t erase the fact that they’re still on pace for the worst record in franchise history. But it gives them something they hadn’t had in weeks: momentum. Borrego, who previously coached the Charlotte Hornets and Sacramento Kings, has been quietly reshaping the culture. He’s pushed for more ball movement, less isolation play. He’s trusted young players like Murphy and rookie guard Jalen Hood-Schifino to take big shots. And it’s starting to pay off.
The Pelicans next host the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, November 26. Memphis is 7-11, but they’re dangerous — especially at home. This game could be a true test of whether New Orleans’ win was a fluke or a turning point.
What’s Next for the Bulls?
Chicago heads to Charlotte Friday night, where they’ll face a Hornets team that’s also struggling — but playing with more energy than the Bulls have shown in weeks. Their offense is still elite — they’re 7th in the league in scoring — but their defense? It’s porous. And their mental toughness? Questionable. When they’re favored by more than five points, they’re now 0-4 this season. That’s not bad luck. That’s a pattern.
Historical Context: A Franchise in Transition
The Pelicans and Bulls have met 37 times since 2002. The Bulls have won 21 of those games. But here’s the twist: in New Orleans, the Pelicans have won 10 of the last 13 matchups. And in the last two meetings — both in 2025 — New Orleans covered the spread by double digits. This win wasn’t just about points. It was about identity. After years of trading stars, missing playoffs, and watching their core crumble, the Pelicans are finally playing like a team that believes it can win — even when no one else does.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is this win for the Pelicans’ season?
Extremely. This was their first win since November 5, ending a nine-game skid and snapping a six-game home losing streak. With a 3-15 record, they’re still in the lottery hunt, but this game proved they can compete — even against playoff-caliber teams. The win could be the spark that changes locker room morale and gives young players belief.
Why did the Bulls collapse late despite leading in scoring stats?
Chicago’s offense relies heavily on isolation plays and mid-range jumpers — effective in rhythm, but fragile under pressure. When the Pelicans’ defense tightened and forced contested shots, their 40% three-point shooting couldn’t compensate. Plus, their 3 turnovers in the final minutes were catastrophic. They lacked a true closer, while Bey and Williamson delivered when it mattered.
What role did rebounding play in the Pelicans’ victory?
It was decisive. The 55-33 rebounding edge gave New Orleans 22 second-chance points and limited Chicago to only 11. Bey and Jaxson Hayes combined for 24 boards — a key reason the Pelicans outscored the Bulls 32-14 in the paint. Rebounding isn’t glamorous, but it’s the foundation of winning in the NBA — especially for teams with limited shooting.
Is James Borrego the right long-term fit for the Pelicans?
It’s too early to say, but his calm demeanor and emphasis on ball movement have already improved their offensive flow. Unlike Willie Green, who favored isolation-heavy schemes, Borrego is encouraging shared scoring — and the results show. If he can develop Zion and the young core into a cohesive unit, he could be the stabilizing force they’ve needed since Anthony Davis was traded.
How does this win affect New Orleans’ draft lottery odds?
It slightly lowers their odds. With a 3-15 record, they’re still among the worst teams, but a win like this reduces their chances of landing the No. 1 pick. Still, with 63 games left, they’re likely to remain in the top 5. The goal now isn’t just to lose — it’s to build confidence for next season, win or lose.
What’s the biggest takeaway from Zion Williamson’s performance?
He’s not just a dunker anymore. His 29 points came on efficient mid-range drives, post-ups, and smart finishes. He didn’t force shots. He read the defense. He finished through contact. That’s growth. If he continues to play with this level of control — not just power — the Pelicans might have their first true franchise cornerstone since Chris Paul.
