Thunder @ Pelicans Takeaways

Chrissy Smith • November 18, 2025

Team Stats

(Thunder at Pelicans)

Final Score: 126-109

Rebounds: 38-35

Assists: 30-21

Blocks: 5-4

Steals: 12-9

Turnovers: 16-20

Stat Leaders

Scoring Leaders: Chet Holmgren, 26; Jeremiah Fears, 24

Rebound Leaders: Chet Holmgren, 9; Derik Queen, 8

Assist Leaders: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 8; Jordan Hawkins, 6

My Player of the Game: Jeremiah Fears

Chrissy's Key Takeaways

* The ONLY good part about tonight's game was that no matter how far down the Pelicans got in the game, adjustments kept being made by James Borrego to help the home team go on some sort of run.

* The Pelicans started off the game with two turnovers, when they knew the key to the game was to minimize turnovers. And then the Thunder scored 49 points in the first quarter because at one point, the Pelicans had more turnovers than shots taken.

* Where is the pride in this team? Are they OK with making paychecks and looking pitiful against every team night after night?

* The defense and turnovers have to improve or who knows when this team will win another game.

* The Pelicans are now 2-12 on the season. Zion and Jordan Poole are still out with their injuries. Saddiq Bey was out tonight too with some kind of injury.

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Warriors @ Pelicans Takeaways

By Chrissy Smith • November 17, 2025

Team Stats (Warriors at Pelicans) Final Score: 124-106 Rebounds: 47-45 Assists: 34-22 Blocks: 5-4 Steals: 14-11 Turnovers: 21-19 Stat Leaders Scoring Leaders: Moses Moody, 32; Trey Murphy III, 20 Rebound Leaders: Moses Moody, 8; Trey Murphy III, 8 Assist Leaders: Moses Moody, 10; Derik Queen, 6 My Player of the Game: Trey Murphy III Chrissy's Key Takeaways * This was James Borrego's first time as a head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans and his starting lineup had Derik Queen in it, which a lot of people were hoping to see. * This game did not have the outcome everyone was hoping for, especially now that Willie Green is gone, but to think Borrego will turn the team around in one game is unrealistic. * Zion needs to become available as soon as possible. Having him out is hurting this whole team. * With Zion and Jordan Poole being hurt, this season is already feeling like the past several seasons where we say, "Well if this team was healthy then they would be good." * Trey Murphy III is doing all he can and putting up great numbers but he cannot lead this team to victory alone. * The Pelicans take the court again in a back-to-back game on Monday, Nov. 16 at 7 pm against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Follow @TheKneaux on X, and follow me there too, @SportsChrissy.

Lakers at Pelicans Takeaways

By Chrissy Smith • November 16, 2025

Team Stats (Lakers at Pelicans) Final Score: 118-104 Rebounds: 45-42 Assists: 28-24 Blocks: 5-3 Steals: 13-11 Turnovers: 17-20 Stat Leaders Scoring Leaders: Austin Reaves, 31; Trey Murphy III, 35 Rebound Leaders: Deandre Ayton, 16; Derik Queen, 10 Assist Leaders: Luka Dončić, 12; Saddiq Bey, Saddiq Bey, 7 My Player of the Game: Jeremiah Fears Chrissy's Key Takeaways * Jeremiah Fears had seven steals in the game, which is one away from the Pelicans franchise record, which is currently held by Chris Paul. * Trey Murphy III has returned to his all-star glory in the last three games. He needs one other guy to step up, and Zion, Fears, or Herb could be that answer . * Speaking of Herb, he is struggling so bad offensively. He doesn't even look like the same player out there so hopefully that gets fixed ASAP. * Following the loss, Willie Green was fired from his head coaching job. * James Borrego will make his first start as head coach on Sunday at 6 pm against the Golden State Warriors at HOME. Follow @TheKneaux on X, and follow me there too, @SportsChrissy.