ENERGIZED: Zion Williamson and Pelicans BENCH Shift Game Momentum, Outshine Mavericks in Route
New Orleans Pelicans silence the Dallas Mavericks with Zion Williamson’s near-perfect 27-point performance. Can this revitalized roster weather injuries and push for a top playoff spot?
Jake Madison breaks down how James Borrego’s fast substitutions turned a sluggish start into a dominant win, spotlighting off-ball movement and bench impact from Jeremiah Fears and Yves Missi. The conversation covers breakout moments for Fears, Missi’s rim protection and passing, and how a less ball-dominant Zion could future-proof the Pelicans’ offense. Madison explores the team’s resilience without Dejounte Murray, rising defensive stats, and smarter coaching adjustments, plus previews the upcoming test against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Is New Orleans finally finding answers for their lack of center depth—and could this new approach make them a more durable contender? Don’t miss this sharp analysis of Pelicans basketball evolution.
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19 Comments
Winning winning everydayer
better late than never in this season. of course playing tanking teams.helps.
Every dayer comment
I do believe James B. Could get us to the playoffs with a fresh start & healthy roster. He’s definitely a good player coach some thing thts very important for this young pels team. James at least put out the fire Willie green started
Gelling nicely….🇬🇧
Comment.
This team is weird. They got talent but they're still missing something it seems
The feeling about this team has improved since January. And has taken another step since DM has been playing. As a Pelicans fan. I'm starting to get a little hope again.
I’d like to thank you for Dyson Daniels & your pick.
Jordan Poole and a future first for Myles turner
Pelicans
Let's give some credit to James Borrego
Hi Jake
NAW scores 41 and has 7 rebounds tonight.
Dyson scores 15 and has 12 rebounds tonight
Naji scores 32 and has 8 rebounds tonight.
BI scores 34 yesterday
Naji scores 25 with 7 assists yesterday.
JHart grabs 12 rebounds yesterday.
Randle has 32 / 7 / 6 yesterday
….nice 24 hours for our castaways.
Note: I dare not mention that CJ had 30 on Saturday!!!
Zion needs to be traded he’s only just getting in the way of queen and fears
Since Murray has come back, this team is giving me hope for the future (even though he didn't play tonight). His tenacity/leadership means a lot.
James Borrego absolutely deserves the job. He's gotten way more out of this poorly constructed roster than Willie ever did. He has Zion playing off ball and 'slashing' instead of the idiotic dribble-dribble, 'Point Zion' nonsense. The Pelican defense (Willie's Specialty) is much improved under Borrego (with a long way, yet, to go). His rotations are based on performance and not the name on the back side of the jersey. He's giving Fears and Queen 'run', but not at the expense of the team's performance. Karlo and Yves are immensely improved. In-game coaching has all but eliminated the 'Fourth Quarter Collapses" Pelican fans have become accustomed to.
No one could ask for more from this bunch than what JB has given them. Give him the job; make it permanent.
Kinda getting the feeling he really don’t mess with Zion
Thanks Jake, I’ve flown from Australia and am in town for our game vs the Cavs this Saturday. If ya’ll have any recommendations in and around smoothie king or other insights for Aussie tourists let me know! 💪🏻