Pelicans outscore Hawks 121-99 behind 45-point bench effort
New Orleans snapped a four-game losing streak by using a deep roster, with Saddiq Bey and Jeremiah Fears leading a reserve unit that dominated the second half.
By Noor Phillips ·
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Atlanta Hawks 121-99 on Saturday night, securing their second consecutive win after a four-game losing streak.
The victory was driven largely by the bench. Saddiq Bey scored 25 points in a reserve role, while Jeremiah Fears added 20. Together with other reserves, the Pelicans outscored the Hawks 83-64 in the final two quarters.
This performance marked a stark contrast to the first half. The Pelicans led 47-29 entering the third quarter, building a 28-point margin that they maintained throughout the remainder of the game. The team shot 65.8% from the field and 53.8% from three-point range.
Starting players Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III each contributed 15 points. The Pelicans' offensive efficiency was high, with the team scoring in rapid succession during a 21-2 run in the first half. This included a dunk by Murphy, a three-pointer by Fears, and a layup by McCollum.
The game featured a notable reunion for CJ McCollum. Playing in New Orleans for the first time since being traded to Washington in June 2025, the former Pelican scored 14 points for Atlanta. The home crowd applauded during a tribute video played on the videoboards above the court. McCollum hit a three-pointer and scored on a layup before the tribute aired.
The Hawks struggled to contain the Pelicans' depth. While Atlanta had a brief run in the first quarter, they failed to keep pace with New Orleans' scoring tempo. The Pelicans' reserve unit, which included Jalen Brunson and Herbert Jones in the rotation, controlled the game's rhythm after the halftime break.
