Imagine a team starting their season with a staggering 3-22 record, only to defy all odds and embark on a thrilling winning streak. That’s exactly what the New Orleans Pelicans did on December 22, 2025, as they clinched a 119-113 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, extending their season-long winning streak to five games—their longest since 2022. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can this Pelicans team sustain their momentum, or is this streak just a fleeting moment of brilliance? Let’s dive into the game that has everyone talking.
Zion Williamson was the undisputed hero of the night, scoring 24 points, including a jaw-dropping 10 straight points in a decisive two-minute span of the fourth quarter. His dominance was on full display as he powered through the Mavericks’ defense, scoring on five of the Pelicans’ next six possessions—four of them on relentless drives to the basket from the right side. By the time the dust settled, the Pelicans were up 117-106 with just 1:37 left on the clock. And this is the part most people miss: Williamson’s ability to take over games in crunch time is what separates him from many other stars in the league. Is he the missing piece the Pelicans need to become a playoff contender?
The Mavericks, led by Anthony Davis’ season-high 35 points, refused to go down without a fight. Davis and Klay Thompson were unstoppable in the first half, erasing an early 11-point deficit to take a 63-57 halftime lead. Davis’ performance was particularly impressive, as he scored 22 points in the first half—his highest single-half output of the season—and secured a double-double by halftime with 10 rebounds. Thompson, despite shooting just 36% from three-point range this season, caught fire early, nailing five of his first nine 3-pointers. But here’s the counterpoint: If the Mavericks couldn’t hold onto their lead against a surging Pelicans team, what does that say about their ability to close out games against tougher opponents?
New Orleans’ comeback was nothing short of spectacular. Trailing 87-79 after three quarters, the Pelicans unleashed a 38-19 run in the first 10:24 of the final quarter, completely flipping the script. Even when the Mavericks cut the lead to 117-113 with 18.1 seconds left, Trey Murphy III sealed the deal with two clutch free throws, icing the game for the Pelicans. Derik Queen and Saddiq Bey also stepped up, with Queen contributing 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Bey adding 19 points and seven rebounds.
As the dust settles on this thrilling matchup, one question lingers: Can the Pelicans keep this momentum going, or will they revert to their early-season struggles? And for the Mavericks, is their reliance on Davis and Thompson sustainable, or do they need more depth to compete consistently? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate worth having!
