Pelicans Beat Bulls 143-130 as Zion Scores 29 to End Losing Run

The New Orleans Pelicans finally ended their long struggle on Monday night with a strong and much-needed 143-130 win over the Chicago Bulls. This victory stopped their nine-game losing streak and marked the first win under interim coach James Borrego, who took charge after Willie Green was fired earlier in the season. For the Pelicans, this game felt like a fresh start, and the players delivered one of their most balanced and energetic performances of the year.

Zion Williamson led the night with 29 points, matching his season high. He played with power, confidence, and control from start to finish. His ability to drive to the basket, finish tough plays, and score in traffic reminded fans why he is one of the NBA’s most exciting players. Every time he touched the ball near the rim, the crowd felt hope again—something they had been missing during the long losing stretch.

Saddiq Bey also played a huge role in the win. He scored 20 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, giving the Pelicans strength on both ends of the court. His two late 3-pointers were especially important because Chicago had cut what was once an 18-point lead down to single digits in the final minutes. When Bey knocked down those shots, the arena erupted, sensing that the team was finally close to breaking its long run of losses.

The Pelicans got big contributions from almost everyone who stepped on the floor. In total, eight players scored at least 10 points. Trey Murphy put up 20 points with sharp shooting and quick drives. Jose Alvarado added 16 points and brought his usual spark and intensity. Yves Missi had one of his best nights with 14 points and 14 rebounds, showing promise as a reliable inside presence. Bryce McGowens scored 11, and Micah Peavy chipped in 10, rounding out the team’s balanced offense.

For a team that had been struggling badly, these contributions were incredibly important. The Pelicans played with better rhythm, better communication, and a lot more confidence. The energy in the building grew as the game went on, and fans cheered loudly when it became clear the team was heading toward its first win since November 5.

Chicago also had bright spots, even though they fell short. Ayo Dosunmu scored 28 points, while Coby White added 24. The Bulls knocked down 20 three-pointers out of 50 attempts, which kept them in the game even when the Pelicans tried to pull away. Josh Giddey scored 21, Jalen Smith added 13, and Tre Jones finished with 10 points and 11 assists off the bench, showing strong playmaking.

But despite Chicago’s shooting, the Pelicans maintained control for most of the game. They led by as many as 22 points in the second quarter. A highlight came when Trey Murphy made a reverse layup while being fouled, completing a three-point play that pushed the score to 55-33. Even when the Bulls tried to cut into the lead, Williamson helped rebuild the advantage with a driving layup and a smooth finger-roll just before halftime, giving New Orleans a solid 74-58 lead at the break.

When the final seconds ticked away, fans stood and applauded. It wasn’t just a win—it felt like a new beginning. Coach Borrego finally got his first victory after six games in charge, and the team showed real progress. The Pelicans now move forward with renewed confidence, hoping this strong night becomes a turning point in their season.