When Trey Murphy III sank his 12th free throw with 17 seconds left, the New Orleans Pelicans had done the impossible: beaten the Chicago Bulls on their own floor, in front of a roaring United Center crowd, and with the league’s worst record hanging over them. It was January 14, 2025 — a Tuesday night that felt more like a turning point than just another loss on the schedule for Chicago. The final: 119-113. The story? A second-half explosion, a broken scoring streak, and two young stars refusing to let their season slip away.
A Team That Refused to Quit
At halftime, the Pelicans trailed by four, 53-59. They’d shot 36.5% from the field. Their three-pointers? A dismal 4-for-24. Fans in Chicago were already thinking about the post-game pizza. But basketball doesn’t always follow logic. Not when Zion Williamson is on the floor. Not when Trey Murphy III has a hot hand and zero fear.The third quarter was the pivot. New Orleans clawed back, outscoring Chicago 33-27. Then came the fourth. With the game tied at 86, Jose Alvarado — the undersized guard who plays like he’s got something to prove every night — hit back-to-back threes. The crowd went silent. Coach Billy Donovan called timeout. It didn’t help. The Pelicans finished the quarter on a 10-2 run and held Chicago to just 37.5% shooting in the final 12 minutes.
Two Stars, One Statement
Murphy III didn’t just score 32 points. He did it with surgical precision: 9-for-20 from the field, 2-for-13 from deep — but a perfect 12-for-12 from the line. That’s not luck. That’s composure under pressure. He added six rebounds, four assists, and three steals — a complete performance from a player many thought was too soft for the NBA. Meanwhile, Williamson, in just his third game back from a left hamstring strain and a one-game suspension, looked like his old self: 21 points, 7 rebounds, and a team-high 9 assists. He didn’t force shots. He found open men. He made plays. And when Chicago doubled him, he kicked out to Murphy or Alvarado. It was basketball intelligence masked as athleticism.The Bulls? They had their moments. Nikola Vucevic dominated the paint with 22 points and 15 rebounds. Coby White matched Murphy with 22 points of his own. But the heart of Chicago’s offense — Zach LaVine — vanished. After six straight games scoring 30 or more, he managed just 2 points in the first half on 1-for-7 shooting. He finished with 25, but it felt hollow. He looked frustrated. Out of rhythm. The defense? Tight. The timing? Off. And the pressure? Too much.
What This Means for Both Teams
The Pelicans, now 9-32, are still the 14th seed in the Western Conference. But they’ve won four of their last seven. That’s not a fluke. That’s momentum. They’re playing with purpose. With Williamson back and Murphy finding his groove, this team might just be figuring out how to win — even if they’re not good enough to make the playoffs. Sometimes, that’s enough. For a franchise that’s been stuck in rebuild mode for years, these wins matter more than standings.For the Bulls? It’s a red flag. They’re 18-22, hovering just above .500. They’ve got talent. Vucevic, LaVine, White — all capable. But they’re inconsistent. They lose to teams they should beat. They win games they shouldn’t. And when the pressure rises, they fold. Tuesday night was a textbook example. Down four at halftime, they let the game slip away. No leadership. No adjustments. Just confusion.
What’s Next?
On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the Pelicans host the Dallas Mavericks at 8:00 PM ET — a chance to build on this win. The Bulls, meanwhile, welcome the Atlanta Hawks at the same time. For Chicago, it’s a must-win. For New Orleans? It’s another opportunity to prove they’re not just a team playing out the season.The game was a reminder: in the NBA, talent doesn’t always win. Grit does. Execution does. And sometimes, when the odds are stacked against you, all you need is one player to believe — and another to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is this win for the Pelicans’ season?
Extremely. At 9-32, the Pelicans are the NBA’s worst team, but this win marks their fourth in seven games — their best stretch since November. It shows growth under coach Willie Green, especially with Zion back and Trey Murphy III emerging as a reliable scorer. Even if they miss the playoffs, these wins build culture and confidence for next season.
Why did Zach LaVine struggle so badly in the first half?
New Orleans’ defense, led by Murphy and Alvarado, switched aggressively on screens and denied him space. LaVine, coming off six straight 30-point games, looked hesitant — forcing contested jumpers instead of attacking. He went 1-for-7 in the first half, and the rhythm never returned. It’s a rare lapse for a scorer of his caliber, and it cost Chicago dearly.
What role did Jose Alvarado play in the comeback?
Alvarado was the spark. With the game tied at 86, he hit two consecutive three-pointers in 18 seconds, breaking Chicago’s momentum. He finished with 14 points and 5 assists off the bench. His energy, defense, and fearlessness changed the game’s tone. For a 5’9” guard on a struggling team, moments like this define his value.
How does this affect the Pelicans’ draft lottery odds?
It slightly lowers them. With a 9-32 record, New Orleans still has the second-worst record in the NBA, keeping them near the top of the draft lottery odds. But each win reduces their probability of landing a top-three pick. Still, the front office may prefer building around young talent like Williamson and Murphy over chasing a high pick — especially if this momentum continues.
Is Zion Williamson fully back to form?
He’s close. He played 34 minutes, had 9 assists, and moved fluidly without signs of lingering hamstring issues. But he only took 14 shots — down from his usual 20+. The team is managing his minutes carefully. If he maintains this balance of scoring and playmaking, he could be a top-10 MVP candidate next season.
What’s the historical context of this matchup?
This was the second meeting between the teams this season. The first, on October 23, 2024, was a 122-115 Bulls win in New Orleans. Tuesday’s result flips the script: a team that lost by seven now wins by six on the road. It underscores how quickly the Pelicans’ identity is shifting — from lottery-bound to competitive, even if they’re still underdogs.
