On Tuesday night, January 14, 2025, the New Orleans Pelicans pulled off a stunning second-half rally to beat the Chicago Bulls 119-113 at the United Center in Chicago. It wasn’t pretty early — far from it. But when the dust settled, Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson had carried their team through a brutal first half and into a rare, hard-fought victory. Murphy dropped 32 points — all of them counting, especially those 12 straight free throws — while Williamson, in just his third game back from a hamstring injury and a one-game suspension, chipped in 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists. This wasn’t a fluke. It was a statement, even if the standings say otherwise.
First Half: A Shooting Nightmare
The Pelicans looked lost in the opening two quarters. They hit just 36.5% of their shots and went 4 for 24 from three-point range — a cold streak that left them trailing 59-53 at halftime. Zach LaVine, Chicago’s leading scorer, had been on a six-game tear of 30+ point performances. But here, he was ice-cold: 1 for 7 from the field, just 2 points through two quarters. Even Nikola Vucevic, who finished with 22 points and 15 rebounds, couldn’t carry the Bulls alone. The game felt like it was slipping away — until it didn’t.
The Turnaround: Third Quarter Fire
Here’s the thing: basketball is a game of runs. And the Pelicans found theirs in the third. They started hitting everything. 10 of 25 threes in the second half. 52.3% overall shooting. After trailing by six at halftime, they outscored Chicago 33-27 in the third to tie the game at 86-86. Jose Alvarado, the undersized guard who rarely gets the spotlight, became the spark. With the score tied at 88 early in the fourth, he drained back-to-back threes. The crowd fell silent. The Bulls looked stunned. The Pelicans went on a 10-2 run, and suddenly, it was 98-90. Chicago head coach Billy Donovan called timeout — too late.
Fourth Quarter: Clutch Execution
The final period was a masterclass in contrast. New Orleans shot 12 for 22 from the field. Chicago? 12 for 32. That’s not a typo. The Bulls missed 20 shots in the last 12 minutes — many of them wide-open looks that just wouldn’t fall. Meanwhile, the Pelicans moved the ball, found open shooters, and attacked the rim with purpose. Murphy, who’d been ice-cold from deep in the first half (0 for 8), finished 2 for 13 from three — but his 12-for-12 performance at the line kept Chicago from ever getting close. Williamson, still finding his rhythm after injury, played with rare poise, dishing out assists like a point guard and finishing at the rim with authority. It was his best all-around game since returning.
Conflicting Records, Same Reality
Here’s the odd part: the Pelicans’ record is a mess. ABC7 Chicago reported they improved to 9-32 after the win. But ESPN’s official game page listed them at 3-15 — a 12-win discrepancy. The truth? One source likely misreported their win-loss total. Either way, the Pelicans are last in the Western Conference. But they’ve won four of their last seven. That’s not a fluke. That’s momentum. And momentum, in a long season, can change everything.
What This Means
For Chicago, it’s another frustrating loss. LaVine’s streak ended, and their defense — once a strength — looked gassed and disorganized down the stretch. Vucevic was a beast, but without consistent perimeter support, they’re easy to guard. For New Orleans, this win matters more than the record. It’s proof they can close games. It’s proof Williamson is coming back. It’s proof Murphy can carry the scoring load. And it’s proof Alvarado? He’s got ice in his veins.
What’s Next?
The Pelicans head home to face the Sacramento Kings on Friday. They’ll need to keep this energy — especially with Brandon Ingram still out. For the Bulls, they’ll host the Miami Heat on Wednesday. With LaVine’s confidence shaken and their bench inconsistent, they’re staring at a long road ahead. But for one night in Chicago, the Pelicans didn’t just win. They reminded everyone they’re not done fighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Trey Murphy III manage 32 points with only 9 made field goals?
Murphy went a perfect 12 for 12 from the free-throw line, accounting for 12 of his 32 points. He also made 9 field goals — including three crucial late-game buckets — and added two three-pointers. His ability to get to the line consistently, even under pressure, was the key to his scoring explosion. That kind of efficiency at the stripe is rare, especially in a high-stakes game.
Why did the Pelicans shoot so poorly in the first half?
New Orleans struggled with rhythm and spacing early. Chicago’s defense, led by Alex Caruso, locked down the perimeter and forced the Pelicans into contested, low-percentage shots. They missed 20 of their first 24 three-point attempts, and their offense became stagnant. Coach Willie Green made halftime adjustments, emphasizing ball movement and driving lanes, which unlocked their second-half surge.
What role did Jose Alvarado play in the win?
Alvarado, normally a defensive specialist, became the offensive catalyst when the game was tied at 88. His back-to-back threes ignited a 10-2 run that shifted momentum permanently. He finished with 11 points and 4 assists in just 21 minutes. His energy, quickness, and fearless shot-making gave the Pelicans the spark they needed when it mattered most.
Is Zion Williamson fully back to his pre-injury form?
He’s close. Williamson’s 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists show he’s regaining his playmaking rhythm and physical dominance. But he’s still easing back — he only played 34 minutes, and his vertical explosiveness isn’t quite at 100%. Still, his ability to draw double teams and find open shooters suggests his basketball IQ is fully intact. If he stays healthy, he’s the key to New Orleans’ playoff hopes.
Why do different sources report conflicting records for the Pelicans?
ABC7 Chicago reported the Pelicans as 9-32 after the win, while ESPN’s official stats page listed them at 3-15. This discrepancy likely stems from a data-entry error in one of the sources — possibly misreporting wins from a previous season or miscounting forfeited games. The NBA’s official standings, which update in real time, are the authoritative source, and they confirmed the Pelicans’ record as 9-32 following the game.
What does this win mean for the Pelicans’ playoff chances?
Realistically, they’re out of playoff contention. They’re 18 games behind the eighth seed in the West. But this win matters for morale, development, and draft positioning. Winning close games with young players like Murphy and Williamson builds chemistry. It also signals to the front office that this core can compete — which could influence future trades and offseason decisions.
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