Pelicans Outlast Bulls 143-130 as Zion Williamson Leads Comeback Win in New Orleans

The New Orleans Pelicans pulled off a stunning 143-130 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans — a game that felt more like a statement than a fluke. With Zion Williamson pouring in 29 points, 2 steals, and 2 assists, the Pelicans snapped a brutal 14-game losing streak and handed the Bulls their second loss in three games. The win improved New Orleans’ record to 3-15, a grim reality for a franchise still searching for consistency. But for one night, the energy in the arena was electric — and the Bulls, despite a valiant effort, couldn’t hold on.

How the Pelicans Broke Through

It wasn’t just Zion. The Pelicans’ offense looked like a well-oiled machine, with Saddiq Bey adding 20 points and a career-high 13 rebounds, his versatility stretching the floor and crashing the glass with surprising aggression. New Orleans shot 51% from the field and drained 16 three-pointers, a sign they’d finally found rhythm after weeks of offensive stagnation. They outscored Chicago 42-32 in the fourth quarter, turning a narrow lead into a blowout that stunned even the home crowd. The Bulls had led by 11 points early in the fourth, but the Pelicans responded with a 15-2 run fueled by defensive pressure and transition buckets. When Williamson dunked over two defenders with 2:14 left, the arena erupted — and the Bulls’ comeback hopes evaporated.

Chicago’s Heroics Couldn’t Overcome the Absence

For the Bulls, Ayo Dosunmu was a force, scoring a team-high 28 points on 11-of-21 shooting. Josh Giddey, the 22-year-old Australian guard, nearly notched a triple-double with 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. But without Nikola Vucevic — the 35-year-old center who missed the game due to a lingering knee issue — Chicago’s interior defense and rebounding collapsed. The Pelicans outrebounded them 52-41, including 18 offensive boards that led to 23 second-chance points. The Bulls’ offense, usually reliant on Vucevic’s spacing and post presence, looked disjointed. Coach Billy Donovan admitted after the game: "We missed his gravity. He draws two guys. Without him, we’re predictable."

The Contradictory Report That Went Viral

Here’s the odd twist: a Kuwait-based news site, phc.com.kw, published an article on November 25, 2025, titled "NBA 2025: Josh Giddey's Outstanding Performance Amid Nikola Vucevic's Absence as Bulls Secure Dominant Win over Pelicans." The piece, which falsely claimed the Bulls won, was shared over 12,000 times on social media before being flagged as inaccurate. It even cited Giddey’s stats — correctly — but got the outcome backwards. The NBA’s official YouTube channel, which uploaded full game highlights at 0:15:24 UTC on November 25, left no room for doubt. The clip, viewed over 2.1 million times, clearly showed the final buzzer and scoreboard: Pelicans 143, Bulls 130. The error raised questions about editorial oversight in international sports reporting — especially when fact-checking is so easily accessible.

What This Means for Both Teams

For the Pelicans, this win was about more than breaking a streak. It was a signal that Williamson, now in his sixth season, is finally surrounded by players who can complement him. Bey’s emergence as a two-way force, along with the steady play of Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III, suggests the team’s rebuild might be accelerating faster than expected. Their 3-15 record still looks dire, but they’ve now won two of their last three at home — a trend worth watching.

The Bulls, meanwhile, are at a crossroads. At 9-8, they’re barely above .500 after being picked by many to contend in the Eastern Conference. Vucevic’s absence isn’t just a physical loss — it’s a psychological one. Without him, they lack a reliable low-post scorer and a veteran presence. Their next seven games include matchups against the Celtics, Heat, and Bucks — a brutal stretch that could define their season. If Vucevic doesn’t return soon, Chicago may be forced to explore trade options before the deadline.

Behind the Numbers: A Game of Contrasts

- Pelicans: 143 points (season high), 51% FG, 16 threes, 52 rebounds, 29 assists - Bulls: 130 points, 47% FG, 12 threes, 41 rebounds, 24 assists - Turnovers: New Orleans 11, Chicago 17 — a critical difference - Free Throw Shooting: Pelicans 28-33 (84.8%), Bulls 20-26 (76.9%) - Fast Break Points: New Orleans 26, Chicago 14 The Pelicans didn’t just win — they out-executed a team with more talent on paper. That’s the sign of a team finding its identity.

What’s Next?

The Pelicans host the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, hoping to build momentum. The Bulls travel to Miami on Thursday, where they’ll face a Heat team that’s won six of its last seven. Vucevic’s status remains day-to-day, and his return could be the difference between a playoff push and another early exit.

For now, New Orleans fans have something rare: hope. And in a season full of losses, that’s worth celebrating.