The New Orleans Pelicans have accomplished the impossible…seven games into the season, they have finally won their first game. The 116-112 win over the Charlotte Hornets was fought for and earned by the Pelicans. No Zion Williamson, no problem.
Jose Alvarado stepped up huge tonight, bringing energy on both ends, hitting big shots, and reminding everyone why he’s the heart and soul of this team. Alvarado knocked down a clutch three to give New Orleans the 113-112 lead with just over 16 seconds to play. If it weren’t for his 18 points, three rebounds, six assists, and two steals, the Pelicans would still be winless right now.
The style of play I preached to this group should play with prior to the season starting was exactly what we saw tonight, and look at the result. Grit, energy, and competitiveness were all brought, and it resulted in a win despite being down their best player.
This was also the first game where Trey Murphy III began to resemble himself. 21 points on 5/10 shooting from three was an overall solid showing from him. Hopefully, this helps him get his swagger back moving forward.
The Pelicans' hero tonight was one of their most inexperienced guys
Derik Queen was unreal tonight. He was tied for second on the team in plus-minus as a +13. He defended well, got the game-winning steal, was a playmaker, scorer, and rebounder.
Tonight, Queen looked like the complete package at the five. 12 points, eight rebounds, seven dimes with four steals, in just 18 minutes, that’s ridiculous, especially for a rookie.
After Willie Green spoke about how Kevin Looney’s return would make it tougher to find DQ minutes, he made a statement that he belongs in this team's rotation because of the confidence he plays with and his versatility.
Queen had three pretty bad turnovers in this game, but he didn’t let it rattle him, like most rookies would. He instead continued to make winning plays and hustle his butt off on both ends to make up for his mistakes when he had the ball.
Another important player to mention in this one is Karlo Matkovic. In his season debut, the second-year big man absolutely showed out. It’s like every time I watch him, he gets more athletic. He had multiple monster jams in this one, contributing to his 13 points and six rebounds in just 15 minutes.
Karlo caught an absolute body pic.twitter.com/1tvwCqUTXg
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) November 5, 2025
I hope tonight showed Willie Green that when healthy, Matkovic should be a top priority coming off the bench.
While it’s been a lot of negative around the Pelicans as of late…tonight is not a night for that. First win of the season deserves a purely positive post. We can save the skepticism for tomorrow lol.