Dallas MavericksOpen full analysis
New Orleans PelicansOpen full analysis
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Dallas Mavericks 119–113 on December 22 at Smoothie King Center, holding off a visiting team that shot 44.2 percent from the field and made 10 three-pointers. Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 24 points while Shea Bey added 19, as the Pelicans shot 45.4 percent and limited Dallas to 16 turnovers against their own 12 miscues. The game fell short of the 241.5-point Vegas total, with New Orleans' fourth-quarter outburst—40 points—proving decisive after a sluggish second quarter that produced just 21 points. Dallas' Luka Doncic delivered a team-high 35 points and Klay Thompson contributed 20, but the Mavericks' 57 rebounds and 29 assists could not overcome a defensive rating of 111.3 that allowed New Orleans to control the tempo. The Pelicans' 111.3 offensive rating and strong fourth-quarter execution suggest they can compete with playoff contenders, while Dallas' turnover issues and defensive lapses remain concerning heading into the season's final stretch.
