Pelicans @ Cavaliers Takeaways
Chrissy Smith • December 24, 2025
Team Stats
(Pelicans @ Cavaliers)
Final Score: 118-141
Rebounds: 43-49
Assists: 26-40
Blocks: 2-6
Steals: 10-8
Turnovers: 16-13
Stat Leaders
(Pelicans/Cavaliers)
Scoring Leaders: Zion Williamson, 26; Donovan Mitchell, 27
Rebound Leaders: Derik Queen, Bryce McGowens, 7; Jarrett Allen, 9
Assist Leaders: Jeremiah Fears, Trey Murphy III, Derik Queen, 5; Craig Porter Jr., 8
My Player of the Game: Zion Williamson
Takeaways
- The Pelicans were down Herb Jones and Jordan Poole who were both out with minor injuries and it showed as the Pelicans defense was awful as was their three-point shooting.
- Zion Williamson came off the bench again and scored 26 points in the game. It's the first time he has played both games in a back-to-back since 2024.
- Trey Murphy had a solid game.
- The three-point shooting from the Cavaliers was stifling for the Pelicans. They got the game within six points in the second quarter, but the game steadily pulled away after that.
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Team Stats (Jazz @ Pelicans) Final Score: 113-120 (OT) Rebounds: 49-48 Assists: 24-23 Blocks: 7-6 Steals: 8-9 Turnovers: 20-17 Stat Leaders (Jazz/Pelicans) Scoring Leaders: Keyonte George, 39; Zion Williamson, 23 Rebound Leaders: Lauri Markkanen, Mo Bamba, 10; Derik Queen, 9 Assist Leaders: Keyonte George, 9; Derik Queen, 6 My Player of the Game: Saddiq Bey Chrissy's Takeaways: * This was the second game in a row that went into overtime for the New Orleans Pelicans have and somehow they managed to win both games. * Saddiq Bey was the Player of the Game because he really took over in overtime to solidify the win. He also scored 22 points in 29 minutes of play. * Free throw shooting was huge for the Pels as they shot 90% from the charity stripe. Zion went 11-13 and Dejounte Murray was perfect going 11-11. * Trey Murphy III was out because of tendinitis in both his legs. Murray was back starting in the lineup . Follow @TheKneaux on X, and follow me there too, @SportsChrissy.
