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| Credit: www.apnews.com |
The New Orleans Pelicans extended their season-long winning streak to five games with a dramatic 119-113 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, completing an incredible turnaround from their 3-22 start. Zion Williamson scored 24 points, including 10 straight in a decisive two-minute span, as the Pelicans mounted a 38-19 fourth-quarter run to stun the Western Conference contenders.
Game at a Glance
- Final Score: Pelicans 119, Mavericks 113
- Date: December 23, 2025
- Location: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans
- Pelicans Record: 8-22 (5-game winning streak)
- Mavericks Record: 18-10
- Key Moment: Zion scored 10 straight in 4th quarter
Zion's Heroic Fourth-Quarter Surge
With the Pelicans clinging to a 105-103 lead with just over two minutes remaining, Zion Williamson took over the game in spectacular fashion. The former No. 1 overall pick scored on five of New Orleans' next six possessions, attacking relentlessly from the right side of the floor to build an insurmountable 117-106 lead with 1:37 left.
| Time Remaining | Score | Zion's Play | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2:14 | 105-103 | Drive from right wing | Layup (107-103) |
| 1:52 | 107-103 | Post-up right block | Floater (109-103) |
| 1:37 | 109-103 | Drive from right corner | And-1 (112-103) |
| 1:15 | 112-105 | Drive from right wing | Dunk (114-105) |
| 0:45 | 114-108 | Fast break right side | Layup (116-108) |
Pelicans' Remarkable Turnaround Story
New Orleans has now won five straight games, their longest winning streak since 2022, in what might be the most improbable turnaround in recent NBA memory. After starting the season 3-22 with Zion missing 19 games due to injury, the Pelicans have suddenly discovered their rhythm.
Pelicans' 5-Game Winning Streak:
vs. Lakers: 112-108 (OT)
@ Spurs: 119-110
vs. Thunder: 105-103
@ Rockets: 120-116
vs. Mavericks: 119-113
Key Factors in the Turnaround
- Health: Zion has played in 10 of the last 12 games
- Defense: Holding opponents to 109.2 PPG during streak
- Bench Production: Averaging 38.4 PPG from reserves
- Clutch Performance: 4-0 in games decided by 6 points or less
Davis's Dominant First Half Goes to Waste
Anthony Davis was nearly unstoppable in the first two quarters, torching the Pelicans for 22 points and 10 rebounds—his highest first-half output of the season. He went 10-for-16 from the field, easily getting position against New Orleans' smaller interior defense.
However, the Pelicans made crucial halftime adjustments, sending more aggressive double-teams and holding Davis to just 13 points on 5-14 shooting after the break.
Anthony Davis's Season Performance
- Season Average: 28.4 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 2.8 BPG
- First Half vs Pelicans: 22 points, 10 rebounds
- Second Half vs Pelicans: 13 points, 4 rebounds
- Season High: 35 points (this game)
Supporting Cast Delivers for Pelicans
While Zion delivered in the clutch, New Orleans received crucial contributions throughout the roster:
- Derik Queen (Rookie): 19 points, 11 rebounds—career double-double
- Saddiq Bey: 19 points, 7 rebounds, 3 three-pointers
- Trey Murphy III: 15 points, including clutch free throws to ice game
- Brandon Ingram: 12 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds—facilitated offense
Mavericks' Drought Continues
The loss marked Dallas's third straight defeat, dropping them to 18-10 and raising questions about their consistency. Despite the star power of Anthony Davis and Luka Dončić (who scored 28 points), the Mavericks have struggled with perimeter defense and late-game execution.
"We're better than this," said Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd. "We have the talent, but we need the discipline for 48 minutes. Against a hungry team like New Orleans, you can't take plays off."
"We knew Zion would take over at some point. He's that special. We just didn't have an answer when he decided to put his head down and attack."
— Klay Thompson, Mavericks Guard
Western Conference Playoff Implications
The Pelicans' stunning surge has them just 4 games behind the 10th-seeded Portland Trail Blazers, keeping their slim play-in hopes alive. Meanwhile, the Mavericks' slide drops them to 5th in the Western Conference standings.
| Seed | Team | Record | Games Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma City | 25-5 | -- |
| 2 | Denver Nuggets | 22-8 | 3.0 |
| 3 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 20-10 | 5.0 |
| 4 | LA Lakers | 19-11 | 6.0 |
| 5 | Dallas Mavericks | 18-10 | 6.0 |
| 10 | Portland Trail Blazers | 12-18 | 13.0 |
| 15 | New Orleans Pelicans | 8-22 | 17.0 |
Historical Context: Pelicans' Longest Streak Since 2022
New Orleans' five-game winning streak matches their longest since the 2021-22 season when they won seven straight en route to a 36-46 finish. That team, led by a healthy Zion and Brandon Ingram, pushed the Phoenix Suns to six games in the first round of the playoffs.
The current streak is arguably more impressive given their 3-22 start and the fact that they've done it without several key rotation players.
Looking Ahead: Challenging Road Trip
The Pelicans' reward for their hot streak is a brutal four-game road trip that will test their legitimacy:
Pelicans Next 4 Games
- Dec 26: @ Cleveland Cavaliers
- Dec 28: @ Boston Celtics
- Dec 30: @ Brooklyn Nets
- Jan 1: @ New York Knicks
Meanwhile, the Mavericks host the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday in a critical matchup between Western Conference powers.
Final Thoughts
The Pelicans' transformation from lottery afterthought to potential play-in contender is one of the NBA's best stories of the 2025-26 season. Zion Williamson looks fully healthy and explosive, the supporting cast is contributing, and the defense has tightened considerably.
For the Mavericks, the loss serves as a wake-up call. Championship aspirations require consistent effort, especially against desperate teams fighting for their playoff lives.
As the calendar turns to 2026, New Orleans has given its fanbase legitimate hope, while Dallas must rediscover the championship form that made them preseason favorites.
Zion Williamson's Streak Averages:
24.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 4.4 APG
Shooting 61.2% from the field
Pelicans are +47 with him on the court during the streak
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