The New Orleans Pelicans pushed their win streak to five on Monday night, clawing back from an eight-point deficit to defeat the Dallas Mavericks 119-113 at Smoothie King Center.
Pelicans
Zion Williamson powered the late surge, scoring 10 consecutive points in the fourth quarter and finishing with 24. New Orleans opened the season 3-22 but has not lost since, marking its longest streak since 2022.
Rookie Derik Queen recorded 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Saddiq Bey added 19 and seven boards. Trey Murphy III hit late free throws to seal the victory as the Pelicans outscored Dallas 38-19 over the first 10 minutes of the final period.
Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers will be without Luka Doncic when they face the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. The guard was ruled out with a left calf contusion that forced him to leave Saturday’s loss to the Clippers early. Head coach JJ Redick said the team is exploring additional protection for Doncic’s legs, noting the injury has “happened a bunch” this season.
Austin Reaves is listed as questionable with a mild calf strain, and Rui Hachimura will sit with a groin issue. Center Deandre Ayton has been cleared to return after missing two games due to elbow soreness. Los Angeles hosts Houston on Christmas Day.
Hornets
Despite a road loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel entered the record books. The No. 4 overall pick became the fastest player ever to reach 100 made three-pointers, doing so in just his 29th career game. Knueppel hit 5-of-7 from long range and scored 20 points, eclipsing the previous mark by 12 games and besting Stephen Curry’s pace by nearly 30 games.
Head coach Charles Lee praised the rookie’s shooting foundation, highlighting his mechanics and preparation. Knueppel began the night averaging 19.4 points while converting more than 40 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc.
Source: Hoops Wire
