The New Orleans Pelicans are rolling right, winning their fourth straight game with 128-109 over the Indiana Pacers. This game was a prime example that when healthy, the Pelicans are a tough team to beat.
Once again, the Pelicans’ coaching staff elected to bring Zion Williamson off the bench, and it paid off. Z scored 18 of his 29 total points in the first half and gave the Pacers' defense problems.
Before this two-game stint of Williamson coming off the bench, the Pelicans have lacked a go-to scorer in their second unit. However, having an All-Star-caliber player like Williamson in the team's second unit has really balanced them out from top to bottom.
We once again saw tonight that Trey Murphy III is a really three-level scorer, with 10 points in the first quarter that really set the tone for the Pelicans. New Orleans led 44-27 after one period of play, and a massive reason for that was Murphy III’s 75 percent shooting.
With Trey Murphy III setting the tone early and Zion Williamson following off the bench, the Pelicans have become overwhelming for opposing defenses. Add in Derik Queen’s playmaking ability as a point center, and Jordan Poole’s shot-making, and it’s clear that when this group is healthy, New Orleans has the balance and firepower to compete with any team.
Joe Dumars' plan is coming to fruition.
If you remember, during the 2025 offseason, Pelicans President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars repeatedly said he built this team to be deep. Finally, nearly 29 games into this season, we are seeing that be maximized.
During this four-game win streak, each game, it’s been a different player stepping up for this team. Tonight, it was Derik Queen as a starter and Jordan Poole for the second unit.
With Jeremiah Fears struggling to get things going, finishing the game on 2/6 shooting from the field, Jordan Poole was able to step up off the bench. JP was a massive spark in this one with 16 points and six assists, and ended the game as a plus-20. His ability as a shot creator and maker continues to make him unique from anyone else on this roster.
Speaking of unique, the same goes for Derik Queen, who is giving this franchise something they haven’t seen since DeMarcus Cousins, a skilled center. His ability to both run the offense as a playmaker and get his own as a scorer was on display again Saturday night.
If the Pelicans can maintain their health and keep this level of balanced production, there’s no reason they can’t compete for a play-in spot this season.