The New Orleans Pelicans finally broke through — not with a whisper, but a roar. On Monday night, November 24, 2025, they outlasted the Chicago Bulls 143-130 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, ending a brutal nine-game losing streak and handing James Borrego his first win as interim head coach. It wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t clean, but it was real. And for a team that hadn’t won since November 5, it felt like oxygen after suffocating under pressure.
A Team That Finally Showed Up
Eight players scored in double figures. Eight. That’s not a fluke. That’s chemistry. That’s trust. Zion Williamson, the 24-year-old force of nature, dropped 29 points — tying his season high — with two steals and two assists, attacking the rim like he had something to prove. But he wasn’t alone. Saddiq Bey, the 25-year-old forward, chipped in 20 points and a game-high 14 rebounds, playing with a quiet intensity that matched the team’s mood. Trey Murphy III added 20 more, hitting clutch threes and finishing through contact. Even Yves Missi, the 21-year-old Cameroonian center, posted a double-double: 14 points and 14 boards. This wasn’t a one-man show. It was a collective exhale.The Bulls Almost Pulled It Off — But Didn’t
Don’t sleep on the Chicago Bulls. Ayo Dosunmu led them with 28 points, slashing through the defense like he was running laps in practice. They cut a 22-point deficit to single digits in the final two minutes. You could feel the energy shift. The crowd held its breath. But then came the answer: a pair of free throws from Jose Alvarado, a steal by Micah Peavy, and a cold-blooded three from Bryce McGowens. The Bulls shot 16-of-45 from deep — a ridiculous number — but their 57% free throw shooting (4-of-7) and 10 blocks couldn’t make up for 23 turnovers and a lack of clutch execution when it mattered most.Borrego’s First Win — Six Games Too Late?
James Borrego took over after Willie Green was fired on November 14, 2025, with the Pelicans at 2-10. Six games. Six losses. Six chances to prove he could turn it around. The pressure was suffocating. Fans were already calling for changes. The front office was quietly shopping for candidates. But on this night, the players responded. Not because Borrego gave a rousing speech — though he likely did — but because they finally played like they believed in something again. "They stopped trying to be perfect," one assistant coach told reporters afterward. "They just started playing." The stats tell the story: 51% shooting, 13 threes, 21 assists. They moved the ball. They shared the ball. And for the first time in weeks, they didn’t look lost.
Why This Win Matters More Than the Score
The Pelicans are still 3-15. They’re last in the Southwest Division. Their playoff hopes are statistically nonexistent. But this win? It’s not about the record. It’s about momentum. It’s about belief. After losing nine straight, players were talking about "just getting through practices." Now? They’re talking about building on this. About the next game. About the Memphis Grizzlies coming to town on Wednesday, November 26. This isn’t a turning point yet. But it’s the first step. And in the NBA, especially for a team in freefall, that’s everything.What’s Next for Both Teams?
The New Orleans Pelicans face the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night at the Smoothie King Center. Memphis, at 7-10, isn’t a powerhouse — but they’re dangerous on the road. If the Pelicans can win again, the narrative shifts from "rebuilding" to "rebuilding with purpose." Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls — now 9-8 — head to Charlotte to face the Charlotte Hornets on Friday. They’re still in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt. But this loss? It’s a red flag. Their defense looked porous. Their late-game execution? Nonexistent. They’ll need to fix that fast.
Behind the Numbers: The Real Story
The Pelicans scored 143 points — their highest total since January 2024. They had 21 assists and only 23 turnovers — a rare balance for a team that’s struggled with decision-making. Meanwhile, the Bulls had 28 assists but committed 19 turnovers, many in transition. The difference? New Orleans didn’t force it. They waited. They moved. And when they got the open look, they took it. The three-point shooting (37.1%) wasn’t elite — but it was consistent. And that’s what made the difference. The bench? Huge. Jose Alvarado (16 points), Bryce McGowens (11), and Micah Peavy (10) combined for 37 points off the bench. That’s the kind of depth a team needs to survive a long season.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Zion Williamson’s performance compare to his season averages?
Zion Williamson’s 29 points matched his season high and came close to his average of 27.4 points per game. What stood out was his efficiency — he shot 11-of-17 from the field and attacked the rim relentlessly, something he’s struggled with during the losing streak. His 2 steals also marked a defensive spike, suggesting he’s regaining his aggressive edge.
Why did the Pelicans’ bench play such a critical role?
With starters under pressure and the team’s offense stagnant in recent games, the bench provided rhythm and energy. Alvarado, McGowens, and Peavy combined for 37 points, keeping the lead intact during key stretches. Their ability to hit open threes and defend without fouling was the missing link — something the starters hadn’t delivered consistently since early November.
What led to James Borrego’s hiring, and how has his approach changed the team?
Borrego replaced Willie Green after a 2-10 start and growing locker room tension. His first six games were marked by cautious play-calling and defensive breakdowns. But against the Bulls, he embraced pace, encouraged ball movement, and trusted his young core. The result? A balanced attack and 21 assists — a sign he’s finally letting the players play, not just execute set plays.
Is this win enough to save Borrego’s job?
One win won’t guarantee his future — but it’s a start. The Pelicans’ front office is reportedly evaluating him through the end of December. If they win two of their next three games, especially against Memphis and Phoenix, Borrego could earn an extension. If not, the search for a new coach may resume before the trade deadline.
How does this loss affect the Bulls’ playoff chances?
The Bulls are still 9-8 and in the Eastern Conference’s top eight, but this loss exposed flaws: poor free throw shooting (57%), inconsistent defense, and over-reliance on Dosunmu. With the Hornets and Pistons on deck, they need to fix their late-game execution. If they lose two of their next three, their playoff seeding could slip into the play-in tournament.
What’s the significance of the Pelicans scoring 143 points?
It’s their highest output since January 2024 and the first time they’ve cracked 140 since the 2023-24 season. Only three teams in the NBA averaged more than 140 points per game last season. For a team that was scoring just 112.4 points per game before this win, this suggests they’re regaining offensive identity — and that’s the foundation for any real turnaround.