Pelicans rally in the fourth quarter to beat the Mavericks
The New Orleans Pelicans used a late surge in the fourth period to snatch a 119-113 victory over the visiting Dallas Mavericks on Monday night. The win marks the Pelicans’ fifth straight, a streak fueled by timely scoring, defensive stops, and a resilient bench performance.
Zion Williamson fuels the comeback from the bench
Zion Williamson provided a crucial spark off the bench, delivering 24 points and nine rebounds to help turn the tide in New Orleans’ favor. His energy in the fourth quarter helped create scoring opportunities and kept the Pelicans within striking distance as Dallas fought to hold onto momentum.
Williamson’s performance continued a pattern the Pelicans have leaned on during this streak: contributions from multiple sources and a willingness to grind through tight moments when the game is on the line.
Balanced scoring leads the way
Beyond Williamson, Derik Queen added 19 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, providing a versatile impact on both ends of the floor. The Pelicans received steady production from their supporting cast, with others chipping in as the team locked down defensively in the final minutes.
The Mavs were led by a balanced attack of their own, yet could not reclaim the lead after the Pelicans seized momentum late. The game featured multiple shifts, but New Orleans’ defense tightened when it mattered most, forcing key stops that preceded critical baskets.
Late-game defense seals the deal
In the final minutes, the Pelicans combined effective help defense with disciplined ball movement to stretch their lead. Dallas made a late push, but New Orleans’ ability to convert at the rim and from mid-range helped keep the advantage intact until the final buzzer.
What this win means for the Pelicans
With the victory, New Orleans solidifies its standing in the tightly contested Western Conference race and extends its winning streak at home and on the road. The resilience shown by the bench, along with Williamson’s efficient scoring, demonstrates the team’s depth as it navigates the grind of a long NBA season.
Looking ahead
The Pelicans will look to carry this momentum forward as they prepare for their next matchup. If Williamson can maintain his scoring tempo off the bench and Queen continues to provide a versatile triple-double threat, New Orleans could be a difficult team to stop in late-season play.
