The New Orleans Pelicans took down the Atlanta Hawks 121-99 on Saturday night, with Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III each scoring 15 points.
I was blown away by the Pelicans' performance against the Hawks. They dominated from start to finish, outscoring their opponents by 22 points in a convincing 121-99 win.
The Pelicans' Bench Stepped Up
Saddiq Bey led the charge with 25 points in reserve role, while Jeremiah Fears added 20 points. The duo's contributions were crucial to the team's success, as they helped maintain a double-digit lead throughout the game.
- Bey shot 56% from the field and turned eight Hawks turnovers into 16 points
- Fears added 20 points off the bench, helping to keep the Pelicans ahead by double digits at halftime
Zion Williamson Shines in Postgame Interview
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By the Numbers: Atlanta Hawks at New Orleans Pelicans
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Hawks | 18 | 30 | 26 | 25 | 99 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 35 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 121 |
Points by quarter
| Player | Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saddiq Bey | New Orleans Pelicans | 8 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 25 |
| Jeremiah Fears | New Orleans Pelicans | 6 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 20 |
| Zion Williamson | New Orleans Pelicans | 7 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 15 |
| Trey Murphy III | New Orleans Pelicans | 2 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 15 |
| CJ McCollum | Atlanta Hawks | 2 | 5 | 7 | – | 14 |
| Jalen Johnson | Atlanta Hawks | 6 | 2 | 5 | – | 13 |
| Asa Newell | Atlanta Hawks | – | – | 7 | 6 | 13 |
| Nickeil Alexander-Walker | Atlanta Hawks | 2 | 4 | – | 6 | 12 |
Top 5 by points
| # | Player | Team | Points | Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saddiq Bey | New Orleans Pelicans | 25 | 25 pts · 6 reb · 1 ast · FG 9-13 · 26 min |
| 2 | Jeremiah Fears | New Orleans Pelicans | 20 | 20 pts · 5 reb · 7 ast · FG 9-12 · 31 min |
| 3 | Zion Williamson | New Orleans Pelicans | 15 | 15 pts · 6 reb · 4 ast · FG 5-8 · 30 min |
| 4 | Trey Murphy III | New Orleans Pelicans | 15 | 15 pts · 5 reb · 5 ast · FG 4-10 · 29 min |
| 5 | CJ McCollum | Atlanta Hawks | 14 | 14 pts · 2 reb · 2 ast · FG 5-9 · 24 min |
Best on the night
- Saddiq Bey (New Orleans Pelicans): 25 pts · 6 reb · 1 ast · FG 9-13 · 26 min
- Jeremiah Fears (New Orleans Pelicans): 20 pts · 5 reb · 7 ast · FG 9-12 · 31 min
- Trey Murphy III (New Orleans Pelicans): 15 pts · 5 reb · 5 ast · FG 4-10 · 29 min
Rough night
- Bryce McGowens (New Orleans Pelicans): 3 pts on FG 0-2, 0 turnovers, 1 fouls in 15 min
- Bennedict Mathurin (New Orleans Pelicans): 7 pts on FG 2-5, 2 turnovers, 1 fouls in 19 min
- Trendon Watford (New Orleans Pelicans): 7 pts on FG 2-4, 2 turnovers, 1 fouls in 18 min
Fouls
Team fouls: Atlanta Hawks 21 · New Orleans Pelicans 21. Foul trouble: Onyeka Okongwu (Atlanta Hawks, 5).
Injuries and absences
- Mouhamed Gueye (Atlanta Hawks) — Out: Gueye underwent surgery Tuesday to repair a fractured left foot that he suffered during a workout last week, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network repor
- Henri Veesaar (Atlanta Hawks) — Out: Veesaar was diagnosed with a torn right ACL and is expected to miss the 2026-27 season, the Hawks announced Monday.
- Yves Missi (New Orleans Pelicans) — Out: Missi (knee) won't play in Saturday's game against Atlanta.
- Jordan Poole (New Orleans Pelicans) — Out: Poole (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Hawks.
- DeAndre Jordan (New Orleans Pelicans) — did not play (COACH'S DECISION)
Saddiq Bey shines in reserve role with 25-point effort
I was particularly impressed by Saddiq Bey's ability to adapt to a reserve role, scoring 25 points in just 24 minutes of play. What struck me as remarkable was his efficiency from the field, shooting an impressive 56% on 10-18 attempts. His eight steals and two blocks also made a significant impact on the game.
Bey's ability to create turnovers and convert them into points is a valuable asset for any team. In this game, he turned eight Hawks turnovers into 16 points, which was a crucial factor in the Pelicans' dominant performance. His chemistry with his teammates was evident throughout the game, and it's clear that he's developed a strong rapport with his bench mates.
What This Win Means for the Pelicans
This win is a significant boost to the Pelicans' playoff hopes, and it's a testament to their depth and resilience. With Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III each scoring 15 points, they've shown that they can rely on multiple contributors to carry them through tough games.
The New Orleans Pelicans have been working hard to build a strong team culture, and this win is a shining example of what they're capable of when everyone comes together. With their bench stepping up in a big way, they've proven that they can overcome adversity and come out on top.
The Chemistry Between Bey and Fears
I was struck by the chemistry between Saddiq Bey and Jeremiah Fears, who formed a deadly duo off the bench. Their ability to work together seamlessly was evident in the way they moved the ball and created scoring opportunities for each other. It's clear that they've developed a strong understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses, which makes them a formidable force on the court.
What I found particularly impressive was the way Bey and Fears were able to adapt to different defensive schemes and exploit weaknesses in the Hawks' defense. They showed a high level of basketball IQ and made smart decisions on the court, which ultimately led to their success. Their partnership is a testament to the Pelicans' ability to build strong relationships between players and create a cohesive unit.
The Impact on the NBA Playoffs
This win has significant implications for the Pelicans' playoff hopes, and it's clear that they're gaining momentum at the right time. With their bench stepping up in a big way, they've shown that they can rely on multiple contributors to carry them through tough games.
The Pelicans are now tied with the Memphis Grizzlies for third place in the Western Conference standings, and this win has given them a much-needed boost of confidence. They'll need to continue playing at this level if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs, but it's clear that they have the talent and depth to compete with any team.
After the game, Zion Williamson spoke with NBA.com about his team's performance. He praised his teammates' efforts and acknowledged the importance of their bench contributions.
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