### Pelicans' Resurgence: Zion Williamson Shines in Victory Over Mavericks The New Orleans Pelicans have made a remarkable turnaround this season, overcoming a dismal start of 3-22 to achieve a five-game winning streak, their longest since 2022. In their latest game, Zion Williamson led the charge with 24 points, including a crucial 10-point burst in the final two minutes, securing a 119-113 victory against the Dallas Mavericks. This win not only highlights Williamson's pivotal role but also showcases the contributions of teammates like Derik Queen, who recorded a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Saddiq Bey, who added 19 points and seven rebounds [https://apnews.com/article/mavericks-pelicans-score-61eafabc8e0a5f569c0455aa9286c6be, https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/pelicans-win-fifth-straight-behind-040159663.html]. ### Breakdown of the Pelicans' Recent Success 1. **Key Players' Performance** - **Zion Williamson**: Scored 24 points, including a decisive late-game performance. - **Derik Queen**: Contributed 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists, showcasing his all-around game. - **Saddiq Bey**: Added 19 points and 7 rebounds, supporting the team's offensive efforts. 2. **Game Highlights** - The Pelicans rallied in the fourth quarter, with Williamson scoring 10 consecutive points to seal the victory. - The win against the Mavericks marked the fifth consecutive victory for the Pelicans, demonstrating their improved form. 3. **Season Context** - The Pelicans' current five-game winning streak is a significant turnaround from their earlier struggles this season. - This streak is their longest since 2022, indicating a potential shift in team dynamics and performance. ### Supporting Data and Performance Metrics - **Recent Game Statistics**: - **Final Score**: Pelicans 119, Mavericks 113 - **Zion Williamson**: 24 points, 9 rebounds - **Derik Queen**: 19 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists - **Saddiq Bey**: 19 points, 7 rebounds - **Winning Streak**: The Pelicans have now won five straight games, a significant improvement from their earlier season record of 3-22 [https://www.wsls.com/sports/2025/12/23/zion-williamson-scores-24-to-lead-pelicans-over-mavericks-for-5th-straight-win, https://www.thescore790.com/2025/12/22/pelicans-surge-in-4th-quarter-dump-mavs-for-5th-straight-win]. ### Conclusion: A Turning Point for the Pelicans The New Orleans Pelicans are experiencing a notable resurgence, highlighted by their recent five-game winning streak. **Key contributions from players like Zion Williamson, Derik Queen, and Saddiq Bey have been instrumental in this turnaround.** The team's ability to rally in crucial moments, particularly in their latest victory over the Mavericks, suggests a newfound resilience and potential for continued success as the season progresses. 1. **Zion Williamson's leadership** has been pivotal in the Pelicans' recent success. 2. **Derik Queen's double-double** performance underscores the depth of the team. 3. **The five-game winning streak** marks a significant turnaround from their earlier struggles, indicating a positive trajectory for the remainder of the season [https://www.wfaa.com/article/syndication/associatedpress/zion-williamson-scores-24-to-lead-pelicans-over-mavericks-for-5th-straight-win/616-4e254777-c613-4132-aa2f-7680d69f06cc, https://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/pacers-pelicans-score-s64998].