The New Orleans Pelicans finally found their way back into the win column on Friday night, snapping a grueling nine-game losing streak with a commanding 128-107 victory over the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. This much-needed triumph not only lifted the spirits of a beleaguered Pelicans squad but also showcased the explosive talents of several key players, none more so than Trey Murphy III, whose 35-point outburst led the charge.
Entering the contest, the Pelicans were in dire straits. Their last win dated back to December 22, and the team had been mired in a run of bad luck and even worse results. The injury report wasn’t doing them any favors either: Saddiq Bey (right hip flexor strain), Herb Jones (right ankle sprain), and Jose Alvarado (left oblique soreness) were all ruled out, while Murphy III himself was questionable with low back spasms. For the Wizards, the newly acquired Trae Young was sidelined with quadriceps and knee issues, though he was introduced to a warm reception from the D.C. crowd after his trade from the Atlanta Hawks was finalized earlier that day.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his status, Murphy III suited up and wasted no time asserting his dominance. Fresh off a career-high 42 points against the Lakers earlier in the week and a 27-point showing against the Heat, Murphy III continued his torrid stretch. He torched the Wizards for 35 points on 13-of-24 shooting, including a blistering 7-of-16 from beyond the arc. It marked the sixth time this season he’s eclipsed the 30-point plateau, cementing his reputation as the Pelicans’ most reliable shot maker.
"Trey Murphy III continues to be this team’s best shot maker and overall player. He had 35 points tonight, which is the sixth time he has eclipsed the 30-point mark this season, killing the Wizards’ defense from beyond the arc with seven made threes," wrote one analyst, underlining Murphy’s growing stature within the franchise.
But Murphy III wasn’t the only Pelican to shine. Zion Williamson, often the subject of trade deadline debates and speculation about his long-term fit in New Orleans, put on a clinic of his own. The powerful forward bullied his way to 31 points on an eye-popping 12-of-14 shooting, drawing foul after foul as the Wizards’ defense struggled to contain his relentless drives. Williamson also contributed four rebounds and three assists, providing the kind of interior presence that makes him a matchup nightmare for any opponent.
“Washington had zero, and I mean zero, answers for Z tonight as he got the basket with ease, and the only time they could stop him was by fouling him and sending him to the line,” an observer noted. Williamson’s 85.7 percent shooting from the field underscored just how unstoppable he was in the paint, as the Pelicans outscored the Wizards 68-46 inside.
Rookie sensation Derik Queen took his game to another level, posting the second triple-double of his young career. The former Maryland star filled up the stat sheet with 14 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists—both season highs for rebounds and assists. Queen’s court vision was on full display as he orchestrated the offense, finding cutters, throwing lobs, and delivering timely drive-and-kick passes. His chemistry with fellow rookie Jeremiah Fears was evident throughout the night.
Fears, after a shaky first half that saw him commit five turnovers, rebounded strongly to finish with 21 points, five rebounds, and six assists. He shot 9-of-15 from the field and connected on two of his four three-point attempts, providing the Pelicans with a steady scoring punch from the backcourt. Micah Peavy, another young contributor, chipped in nine points on 4-of-9 shooting and continued to impress with his hustle and energy off the bench.
The Pelicans set the tone early, racing out to a 60-50 halftime lead. Their advantage ballooned to 21 points in the third quarter, but the Wizards showed some fight, clawing back to within 10 in the final period. Any hopes of a comeback were dashed, however, as New Orleans responded with a decisive 21-5 run, turning the game into a rout and allowing head coach and fans alike to breathe a sigh of relief. The Pelicans shot a sizzling 53.1 percent from the field and dominated the glass, out-rebounding Washington 64-50 and racking up 30 assists as a team.
For the Wizards, it was another frustrating night in a season full of growing pains. Seven players reached double figures, with Kyshawn George and Tristan Vukcevic each tallying 15 points. Alex Sarr notched 14 points but managed just a single rebound—a stat that highlighted the Wizards’ struggles on the boards. The absence of Trae Young, who watched from the bench, was felt in the team’s offensive rhythm and ability to create quality looks.
"The Wizards allowed the Pelicans to shoot 53.1 percent from the field, which allowed them to prevail in the game," one local recap pointed out. Washington’s inability to contain the Pelicans in the paint and on the perimeter proved too much to overcome, as the visitors connected on 11-of-34 from deep and racked up 68 points in the paint.
The win brings the Pelicans’ record to 9-31 through 40 games, a sobering reminder of the challenges that remain for Joe Dumars and the front office as the trade deadline looms. While the victory was a much-needed morale boost, questions linger about the team’s direction. Some analysts argue that maintaining five "untouchable" players may hinder the necessary rebuild, especially given the team’s position in the standings and the absence of their own first-round pick in the upcoming draft. The debate over Zion Williamson’s long-term future in New Orleans is likely to intensify as the deadline approaches.
Still, for one night at least, the Pelicans could savor a complete team performance and the emergence of a new core led by Murphy III, Queen, and Fears. The road ahead remains uncertain, but the talent on display in Washington offered a glimpse of hope for a franchise searching for its identity.
Next up, the Pelicans will head to Orlando for a Sunday showdown with the Magic, looking to build on the momentum of their long-awaited win. The Wizards, meanwhile, embark on a western road trip, facing the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night as they continue their search for consistency and chemistry in the post-trade era.
