Mavericks @ Pelicans Takeaways

Chrissy Smith • December 23, 2025

Team Stats

(Mavericks @ Pelicans)

Final Score: 113-119

Rebounds: 57-51

Assists: 29-28

Blocks: 4-9

Steals: 9-9

Turnovers: 16-12


Stat Leaders

Scoring Leaders: Anthony Davis, 35; Zion Williamson, 24

Rebound Leaders: Anthony Davis, 17; Derik Queen, 10

Assist Leaders: Ryan Nembhard, 8; Derik Queen, 6

My Player of the Game: Zion Williamson


Chrissy's Key Takeaways

* This is the first five-game win streak for the New Orleans Pelicans since 2023.

* James Borrego has turned this team around, not only offensively but they are so much better defensively.

* This is the fourth game in a row that Zion is coming off the bench and it is making the Pelicans into an insanely deep team. Z says he trusts Borrego and is fine with the role.

* DQ is getting better every game, and as a rookie, it's beautiful to see.

* The Pelicans play again on Tuesday against the Cavaliers on the road.


Follow @TheKneaux on X, and follow me there too, @SportsChrissy.


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