Pelicans End 9-Game Skid With 143-130 Win Over Bulls Amid Injury Woes
Nov, 26 2025
The New Orleans Pelicans finally broke through — 143 to 130 — in a raucous Monday night showdown at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, ending a brutal nine-game losing streak that had dragged their season into freefall. It wasn’t just a win. It was a lifeline. For the first time since November 5, fans stood and applauded as the clock bled out, the kind of moment that doesn’t come often when you’re 3-15 and your coach just got fired.
Breakthrough in the Big Easy
On November 24, 2025, under interim coach James Borrego, the Pelicans played with a freedom they hadn’t shown since before the firing of longtime head coach Willie Green on November 14. The offense wasn’t just clicking — it was exploding. Eight players reached double figures, a rare display of balance that had been missing all season. Zion Williamson, 24, matched his season high with 29 points, attacking the rim with ferocity. But the real story? Saddiq Bey, 26, delivered a career-defining night: 20 points, 14 rebounds, and two dagger threes in the final two minutes when Chicago threatened to steal it.
It wasn’t just the stars. Trey Murphy III added 20, Jose Alvarado chipped in 16, and Yves Missi — the 21-year-old rookie — matched Bey with 14 rebounds to help the Pelicans dominate the glass. They led by 22 in the second quarter after Murphy’s three-point play capped a 12-0 run, and never looked back. Halftime? 74-58. A statement.
Bulls Without Vučević Get Sized Up
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls were playing without their anchor — 34-year-old center Nikola Vučević, sidelined with a lingering ankle issue. The absence wasn’t just felt — it was seismic. Chicago was outrebounded 58-36, a 22-rebound deficit that turned every missed shot into a New Orleans transition opportunity. "They got SIZED UP on Monday Night," wrote Ontap Sports Net, bluntly capturing the visual reality: Bulls forwards scrambling under the rim while Pelicans bigs and even guards snatched boards with ease.
Even with Ayo Dosunmu dropping 28 points and Coby White adding 24, the Bulls couldn’t overcome their interior collapse. Josh Giddey had 21, and Tre Jones nearly notched a double-double with 10 assists. But without Vučević’s spacing and rebounding, Chicago’s 20 three-pointers (on 50 attempts) weren’t enough. The defense? Fractured. The energy? Flat.
Injury Report: A Team on Life Support
The Pelicans’ win came with a heavy cost — and a long road ahead. Their injury report reads like a medical drama. Jordan Poole, 25, is out until at least November 29 with a quadriceps strain. Karlo Matkovic, 23, is sidelined with a calf strain — same timeline. And then there’s Herbert Jones, 25, who’s been out since November 24 with a calf injury and won’t return until December 2. The biggest blow? Dejounte Murray, 29, hasn’t played since October 2 with a torn Achilles and is projected to miss until January 2, 2026.
That’s four key rotation players out — three of them vital defenders and playmakers. Borrego’s team is now relying on rookies, two-way signings, and veterans who’ve seen better days. The fact they won this game with this roster is almost miraculous.
Why This Win Matters More Than the Score
This wasn’t just about snapping a streak. It was about survival. The Pelicans had lost 10 of 12 games under Green’s final stretch. Fans had stopped showing up. Social media was flooded with #FireBorrego memes after his first five losses. But on Monday night, the crowd didn’t just cheer — they *believed*. When Williamson sank a tough floater with 1:12 left to push the lead to 13, the arena erupted like it was Game 7 of the Finals.
Borrego, a former head coach in Charlotte, was brought in to stabilize. His job isn’t to win championships — it’s to keep the team from imploding. This win gives him breathing room. It gives the young players confidence. And it gives the front office something to build on — even if the roster is a mess.
What’s Next? A Tough Road Ahead
The Pelicans’ next game is November 27 against the Miami Heat. Poole and Matkovic are expected back on November 29, which could be a turning point. But they’ll face the Bucks, Celtics, and Suns before December ends — all top-5 teams. Meanwhile, the Bulls must decide: Is Vučević’s absence temporary, or is this the new normal? With their frontcourt decimated, they may need to explore trades before the deadline — or risk falling further out of playoff contention.
The NBA season is long. But for New Orleans, this win was a spark. Whether it becomes a flame depends on who they can get healthy — and how long they can keep the momentum alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Pelicans manage to win despite so many injuries?
The Pelicans won through sheer depth and unselfish offense — eight players scored in double figures, a season-high. With Murray and Poole out, roles shifted: Bey stepped up as a two-way force, Missi dominated the boards, and Alvarado’s energy sparked the bench. Borrego’s system emphasized ball movement and transition, turning Chicago’s rebounding weakness into fast-break points.
Why is Nikola Vučević’s absence so damaging to the Bulls?
Vučević is Chicago’s primary rebounder, post scorer, and floor spacer. Without him, the Bulls lost 22 rebounds and struggled to create space for Dosunmu and White to drive. His absence exposed their lack of size inside, forcing smaller players like Jalen Smith to guard taller opponents — a mismatch that New Orleans exploited repeatedly.
What’s the timeline for Dejounte Murray’s return?
Murray, who tore his Achilles on October 2, 2025, is expected to return no sooner than January 2, 2026. That’s roughly 14 weeks — typical for elite athletes, but a massive blow to a Pelicans team that needs his playmaking and perimeter defense. His absence has forced rookie guards into high-pressure roles they’re not yet ready for.
Is James Borrego likely to keep the head coaching job?
Not necessarily. The Pelicans’ front office has made it clear Borrego is interim. But this win improves his standing. If he can keep the team competitive through December — even with injuries — he could become a serious candidate for the permanent role, especially if he develops young talent like Missi and McGowens.
How does this game compare to previous Pelicans victories this season?
Before this win, New Orleans’ highest-scoring game was 128 points. This 143-point outburst was their most efficient offensive night of the year — shooting 54% from the field and 42% from three. It’s the first time they’ve had eight double-digit scorers, and the first time they’ve won by more than 10 points since October 29.
What’s the biggest concern for the Pelicans moving forward?
Depth. With Murray, Poole, Jones, and Matkovic all out, the Pelicans are down to 9 healthy rotation players. If any of them get hurt — especially Bey or Williamson — the team could collapse again. Their bench scoring ranks 27th in the league. Without major roster moves, this win might just be a brief reprieve.