Zion Williamson scored 27 points on an efficient 11-of-13 shooting night to lead the New Orleans Pelicans to a 129–111 win over the short-handed Dallas Mavericks on Monday.
Saddiq Bey added 23 points, while Trey Murphy III and Jeremiah Fears each scored 17 as New Orleans won for the eighth time in its last 12 games. The Pelicans controlled the contest throughout, building a lead that stretched to as many as 19 points.
Naji Marshall led Dallas with 32 points against his former team, and rookie Cooper Flagg — the top pick in the 2025 draft — filled the stat sheet with 21 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. P.J. Washington contributed 18 points, while Max Christie added 12 on four 3-pointers.
The Mavericks were without Klay Thompson (rest), Daniel Gafford (illness) and Caleb Martin (foot), while New Orleans also adjusted to the absence of Dejounte Murray (illness). Pelicans coach James Borrego shuffled his lineup, starting Murphy and Herb Jones in the backcourt and giving Yves Missi his ninth start of the season.
Missi made his presence felt with 10 rebounds and five blocks, while Karlo Matkovic recorded a double-double off the bench with 13 points and 10 boards. Jordan Poole also returned to action, coming off the bench for his first appearance in eight games.
Up next: The Dallas Mavericks host the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, while the New Orleans Pelicans host the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday in the first of a two-game set.
