PROOF: Pelicans Shock Rockets with Grit—Herb Jones and Saddiq Bey DELIVER | Zion Williamson Benched!
New Orleans Pelicans shock the Houston Rockets with a dramatic 25-point comeback, sparking questions about Zion Williamson’s future role on the team. Is this proof the Pelicans have finally turned the page? Jake Madison unpacks how grit, resilience, and sharp coaching led New Orleans to a thrilling 133-128 overtime win against a legitimate title contender.
Key storylines include Herb Jones locking down Kevin Durant and igniting the Pelicans’ defense, Saddiq Bey’s emergence as the unexpected closer, and James Borrego’s bold decision to bench Zion in crunch time. The discussion weighs the shifting team culture, the impact of key role players like Trey Murphy and Derik Queen, and what Borrego’s fresh approach means for the franchise’s direction. Can the Pelicans ride this new energy to a playoff push—or has a new era begun in New Orleans basketball?
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33 Comments
Zion’s usage was about the matchup too. I’ll get smaller teams. He would do great against seven footers. It’s tough.
The coach went with the hot hand and didn't want to disturb the game. That's all that was
Man just enjoy d win. D comeback. D togetherness. All that's noise u talking about
I strongly feel like your "starters" should be a combo of your best players and some bench players. And then your second unit should have star players and bench players. It works because most of the other teams are not doing that, and you have an advantage when the other team's traditional starters need rest. Please don't make any trade moves or make conclusions about Zion not needed anymore. There are teams that Zion will blow over and some teams he won't. Also, your closers are not always your starting lineup. It's the combination of the right players and strategy against the other team's lineup that wins the game in the end. And last point, this strategy by Borrego is not new. Popovich would sit Tim Duncan and Tony Parker in the 4th and let other's close the game if they are just not getting the job done that night.
If Zion played in OT they would’ve lost. He would’ve been driving into double teams searching for a foul and instead turn it over. To be fair though, he should get more foul calls than he does but great coaching
It's funny to see other teams think they're getting T.Murphy!!!!!!! That's laughable!!! Hope we keep winning…because without our own pick..I know we're not TANKING!!! I like it!!!!!! keep winning and shock the NBA!!!!!
We've been really good the last 4 games!!!! This is becoming FUN!!!!!!!!!!!
Just let him go! Because it's just not working and it could get ugly
I DONT WANT THEM TO TRADE HIM, I WANT ZION TO END GAMES FOR THIS TEAM. HE NEEDS TO STAY ON THE BENCH FOR THE FIRST 1/2 HE RUNS OUT OF GAS IN THE 4TH
Rotate MCGOWENS, PEAVY, INSTEAD OF JOSE. SORRY
Amen THOMPSON HAD A FIELD DAY AGAINST JOSE. TOO SMALL
FEARS & POOLE, WHERE IS DEJOUNTAY MURRAY..IS HE STILL REHAB
President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars in his Introductory Press Conference said team that depends on one guy to deliver or close in the end of games aren’t successful. But team that has multiple guy that can close or attack are successful. That’s the type of team he intended to build. Welcome to Joe Dumars vision. Plus it was Joe who decided that he wasn’t going to let Coach James Breggo go to New York. Thank you Joe.
I’m really surprised Washington included Bey in that trade. He’s been great for us. Zion will have his shine the rest of the season, but good on the coach for rolling with the hot guys.
A nice win, but hardly a basis for saying this team is now different.
I thought Cutwater was another seltzer but then I found out it’s full on cocktails. That’s always existed but it’s kinda wino fuel, respectfully. Canned cocktails are way too sweet and too big honestly which is where they get their power from. Point in case is cutwater is the same as nasty old clubtails and wild Irish rose
Zion helped close the lead in the 3rd quarter but you have an obvious agenda
I wouldn’t read too much into Zion not closing the game. Just proves Borrego is a good coach and stuck with what got them an opportunity to win. Zion will have his moments.
Who needs Zion??? 🤔
Ok.., so when Derik Queen got benched for the 4th quarter of the previous game (with only 4pts, look it up) and yet we still won, I didn't hear you say "Who needs Queen?"
Coach James Borrego shows no favoritism… He'll bench anybody he needs to if it helps us win and I respect that 💯. One game he benched Herb, another it was Poole, and actually Queen has been benched a few times. So stop acting like it only happened to Zion… And just because we bench a player, dosen't mean we don't need em. So stop that narrative
If y'all can get a couple good young players for Williamson, it's on
You talked about how Herb missed a lot of shots during the game it was until he stopped shooting the long shots and started playing good defense. The Coach needs to look at this seriously, the long shots he takes are a detriment to the game. As far as Zion is concern need to re-negoiate his contract, but don`t get rid of him he won the game for us at Chicago , he had 18pts.
Great win! But i feel like OT wouldnt have been needed if JB made a few subs late in the game. They were clearly gassed and couldve used at least a few minutes to sit
Karlo still needs more run. He made some big plays for us and we need his rebounding
Great win! Evrday
This guy's wife gets an extra round everytime he can stick a knife in zions back
Jake has been saying we have to build around Zion, who gets paid to not play basketball!!! Now, it sounds like he may be changing his tune.
The game was proof we have a good coach not that we don't need a particular player.
Happy for u, I'm a saints fan but a celtics fan
Funny Title, and thoughts, looking back, as Zion Leads the Pels with 29, for their 4th win, in a row..
😮😅😁💪
This didn’t age well at all. Zion just went off on the Indiana Pacers.
Zion just dropped 29 off the bench… they need him!
Eat your words Jake we need Zion!
They don’t need Zion anymore .
When the Pelicans drafted Zion. I thought they would be battling the Rockets, for the division in 2025. I grew up a Rockets fan, starting in 1986. I also pull for the Pelicans, since New Orleans got a team.