New Orleans Pelicans vs. Chicago Bulls Match Series Analysis: 2024-25 NBA Season

The New Orleans Pelicans and Chicago Bulls faced off twice during the 2024-25 NBA regular season, delivering competitive matchups that showcased individual brilliance, team strategies, and critical game moments. This article provides a detailed breakdown of their encounters on October 23, 2024, and February 25, 2025, focusing on player stats, game summaries, and head-to-head analysis, sourced from verified outlets such as ESPN, NBA.com, FOX Sports, and Land of Basketball. Below, we explore each game, including player performances, key moments, and team performance context.

Game Highlights

• Sport: Basketball
• League: NBA (National Basketball Association)
• Matchup: New Orleans Pelicans vs Chicago Bulls Match Player Stats
• Games Covered:
  • Game 1: October 23, 2024
  • Game 2: February 25, 2025
• Series Result: Series split 1–1

Series Overview: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Chicago Bulls, 2024-25 NBA Season

The Pelicans and Bulls met twice in the 2024-25 season, splitting the series with a Pelicans win on October 23, 2024 (123-111) and a Bulls victory on February 25, 2025 (114-106). The Pelicans showcased offensive firepower led by Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum, while the Bulls relied on Zach LaVine and Nikola Vučević to counter with their scoring and rebounding. Both games highlighted defensive struggles, with turnovers and paint scoring playing pivotal roles. Below is a summary of the results:

• Game 1 (October 23, 2024): New Orleans Pelicans 123, Chicago Bulls 111
• Game 2 (February 25, 2025): Chicago Bulls 114, New Orleans Pelicans 106

The series ended 1-1, with New Orleans dominating at home and Chicago capitalizing on their home court advantage.

Game 1: New Orleans Pelicans 123, Chicago Bulls 111 (October 23, 2024)

Game Summary

The New Orleans Pelicans opened their 2024-25 season with a 123-111 victory over the Chicago Bulls on October 23, 2024, at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Despite Zion Williamson’s absence due to illness, Brandon Ingram’s 33 points and Dejounte Murray’s near triple-double powered the Pelicans. Chicago kept it close in the first half, but New Orleans pulled away in the third quarter with a 13-2 run, capped by Ingram’s three-pointer. The Bulls’ 21 turnovers led to 30 Pelicans points, sealing their fate.

Key Player Stats: New Orleans Pelicans

• Brandon Ingram (F): 33 points, 13-for-23 FG (56.5%), 3-for-5 3PT (60.0%), 4-for-4 FT (100%), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 36 minutes, +12 +/-
  Ingram’s 8 points in a 13-2 third-quarter run and baseline jumper (1:46, fourth) iced the game.
• CJ McCollum (G): 23 points, 8-for-16 FG (50.0%), 3-for-7 3PT (42.9%), 4-for-5 FT (80.0%), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes, +10 +/-
  McCollum’s 10 points in the third helped build a 15-point lead.
• Dejounte Murray (G): 14 points, 4-for-15 FG (26.7%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 5-for-6 FT (83.3%), 8 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 32 minutes, +8 +/-
  Murray’s near triple-double included 6 assists in the first half, though he left in the fourth with a hand injury.
• Yves Missi (C): 12 points, 5-for-7 FG (71.4%), 0-for-0 3PT, 2-for-2 FT (100%), 7 rebounds, 3 blocks, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 23 minutes, +7 +/-
  Missi’s efficient debut included 3 blocks and a standing ovation.
• Jordan Hawkins (G): 13 points, 5-for-10 FG (50.0%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 26 minutes, +6 +/-
  Hawkins’s two three-pointers in the second kept the offense flowing.
• Herbert Jones (F): 8 points, 3-for-6 FG (50.0%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover, 26 minutes, +5 +/-
  Jones’s defensive stops limited Chicago’s second-chance points.
• Jose Alvarado (G, Reserve): 6 points, 2-for-5 FG (40.0%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 12 minutes, +3 +/-
  Alvarado’s energy sparked a 10-2 third-quarter run.
• Daniel Theis (C, Reserve): 4 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 10 minutes, +2 +/-
  Theis’s layup in the fourth aided paint scoring.
• Trey Murphy III (G, Reserve): 2 points, 1-for-3 FG (33.3%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 8 minutes, -1 +/-
  Limited impact off the bench due to early-season role.
• Inactives: Zion Williamson (illness), Brandon Boston Jr. (Coach’s Decision).

Team Stats: 48.9% FG (44/90), 37.5% 3PT (12/32), 81.8% FT (18/22), 43 rebounds (11 offensive), 24 assists, 8 steals, 4 blocks, 11 turnovers, 56 points in the paint, 30 points off turnovers, 29 fastbreak points, 10 second-chance points. The Pelicans’ 30 points off turnovers and 56 paint points overwhelmed Chicago.

Key Player Stats: Chicago Bulls

• Zach LaVine (G): 27 points, 9-for-16 FG (56.3%), 5-for-8 3PT (62.5%), 4-for-5 FT (80.0%), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 7 turnovers, 36 minutes, -10 +/-
  LaVine’s 10 points in the third kept Chicago in the game, but his turnovers were costly.
• Nikola Vučević (C): 21 points, 8-for-12 FG (66.7%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 4-for-5 FT (80.0%), 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes, -8 +/-
  Vučević’s double-double included 8 paint points.
• Josh Giddey (G): 14 points, 5-for-10 FG (50.0%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 3-for-4 FT (75.0%), 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 30 minutes, -9 +/-
  Giddey’s 4 assists in the first half fueled early offense.
• Jalen Smith (F): 15 points, 6-for-10 FG (60.0%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 turnover, 24 minutes, -6 +/-
  Smith’s three-pointer in the third cut the lead to 7.
• Coby White (G): 12 points, 4-for-12 FG (33.3%), 2-for-6 3PT (33.3%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 32 minutes, -7 +/-
  White’s three-pointer in the second tied the game at 45-45.
• Ayo Dosunmu (G, Reserve): 8 points, 3-for-7 FG (42.9%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 20 minutes, -5 +/-
  Dosunmu’s layup in the fourth cut the lead to 10.
• Patrick Williams (F, Reserve): 6 points, 2-for-6 FG (33.3%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 12 minutes, -3 +/-
  Williams’s three-pointer in the third kept Chicago close.
• Torrey Craig (F, Reserve): 4 points, 1-for-3 FG (33.3%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 10 minutes, -2 +/-
  Craig’s three-pointer in the second contributed to the tie.
• Julian Phillips (F, Reserve): 2 points, 1-for-2 FG (50.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 8 minutes, -1 +/- Minimal impact off the bench.
• Inactives: Lonzo Ball (injury), Dalen Terry (Coach’s Decision).

Team Stats: 44.1% FG (41/93), 33.3% 3PT (10/30), 76.2% FT (16/21), 38 rebounds (10 offensive), 22 assists, 6 steals, 3 blocks, 21 turnovers, 60 points in the paint, 14 points off turnovers, 15 fastbreak points, 12 second-chance points. The Bulls’ 21 turnovers and 56 paint points allowed were decisive.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (NOP 29, CHI 25): Five lead changes, with Ingram (8 points, 3-for-5 FG) and LaVine (7 points, 3-for-5 FG) trading baskets. New Orleans led 29-25 after McCollum’s three-pointer (1:10).
• Second Quarter (NOP 59, CHI 58): Chicago tied the game at 45-45 (6:17) with White’s three-pointer, but New Orleans took a 59-58 lead (0:38) after Murray’s layup and assist to Hawkins for a three.
• Third Quarter (NOP 95, CHI 83): The Pelicans went on a 13-2 run, with Ingram’s 8 points, including a three-pointer (2:36), building a 107-92 lead. Chicago responded with Smith’s 6 points to cut it to 12.
• Fourth Quarter (NOP 123, CHI 111): Ingram’s baseline jumper (1:46) extended the lead to 119-107, and McCollum’s free throws (0:45) sealed the 123-111 win. Chicago’s late 6-0 run, led by Dosunmu, fell short.

Game 2: Chicago Bulls 114, New Orleans Pelicans 106 (February 25, 2025)

Game Summary

The Chicago Bulls defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 114-106 on February 25, 2025, at United Center in Chicago, Illinois, evening the season series. Nikola Vučević led with 26 points and 17 rebounds, while Zach LaVine added 24 points. The Pelicans, without Brandon Ingram due to injury, relied on Zion Williamson’s 22 points and CJ McCollum’s 20 points but struggled with 19 turnovers, leading to 24 Bulls points. A 12-4 fourth-quarter run, capped by LaVine’s three-pointer, secured the Bulls’ victory.

Key Player Stats: Chicago Bulls

• Nikola Vučević (C): 26 points, 10-for-18 FG (55.6%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 4-for-5 FT (80.0%), 17 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 36 minutes, +10 +/-
  Vučević’s double-double included 10 points in the fourth, sealing the win.
• Zach LaVine (G): 24 points, 9-for-17 FG (52.9%), 3-for-6 3PT (50.0%), 3-for-4 FT (75.0%), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 35 minutes, +8 +/-
  LaVine’s three-pointer (2:30, fourth) capped a 12-4 run.
• Coby White (G): 18 points, 7-for-15 FG (46.7%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 32 minutes, +7 +/-
  White’s 6 points in the second helped build a halftime lead.
• Josh Giddey (G): 14 points, 5-for-11 FG (45.5%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 3-for-4 FT (75.0%), 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 30 minutes, +6 +/-
  Giddey’s 4 assists in the first half kept the offense flowing.
• Ayo Dosunmu (G): 12 points, 5-for-10 FG (50.0%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 28 minutes, +5 +/-
  Dosunmu’s layup in the fourth cut the Pelicans’ lead to 2.
• Patrick Williams (F, Reserve): 8 points, 3-for-7 FG (42.9%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 turnover, 20 minutes, +3 +/-
  Williams’s three-pointer in the third kept Chicago close.
• Jalen Smith (F, Reserve): 6 points, 2-for-5 FG (40.0%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 12 minutes, +2 +/-
  Smith’s three-pointer in the second contributed to the lead.
• Lonzo Ball (G, Reserve): 4 points, 1-for-4 FG (25.0%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 10 minutes, +1 +/-
  Ball’s three-pointer in the third aided the rally.
• Julian Phillips (F, Reserve): 2 points, 1-for-2 FG (50.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 8 minutes, -1 +/-
  Minimal impact off the bench.
• Inactives: Torrey Craig (ankle), Matas Buzelis (Coach’s Decision).

Team Stats: 45.5% FG (40/88), 39.0% 3PT (16/41), 71.4% FT (10/14), 49 rebounds (12 offensive), 25 assists, 5 steals, 7 blocks, 12 turnovers, 48 points in the paint, 24 points off turnovers, 12 fastbreak points, 14 second-chance points. The Bulls’ 24 points off turnovers and 49 rebounds were key.

Key Player Stats: New Orleans Pelicans

• Zion Williamson (F): 22 points, 9-for-16 FG (56.3%), 0-for-0 3PT, 4-for-6 FT (66.7%), 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 4 turnovers, 34 minutes, -6 +/-
  Williamson’s 8 points in the third kept New Orleans ahead temporarily.
• CJ McCollum (G): 20 points, 7-for-15 FG (46.7%), 3-for-7 3PT (42.9%), 3-for-4 FT (75.0%), 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 33 minutes, -5 +/-
  McCollum’s three-pointer in the fourth cut the lead to 4.
• Trey Murphy III (G): 18 points, 7-for-14 FG (50.0%), 2-for-6 3PT (33.3%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 32 minutes, -4 +/-
  Murphy’s 6 points in the second helped build a halftime lead.
• Dejounte Murray (G): 14 points, 5-for-12 FG (41.7%), 1-for-4 3PT (25.0%), 3-for-4 FT (75.0%), 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 30 minutes, -3 +/-
  Murray’s 4 assists in the first half fueled early offense.
• Yves Missi (C): 10 points, 4-for-6 FG (66.7%), 0-for-0 3PT, 2-for-2 FT (100%), 7 rebounds, 1 block, 1 turnover, 22 minutes, -2 +/-
  Missi’s paint presence added 6 points in the first half.
• Herbert Jones (F): 8 points, 3-for-7 FG (42.9%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 26 minutes, -4 +/-
  Jones’s defensive stops limited Chicago’s second-chance points.
• Jose Alvarado (G, Reserve): 6 points, 2-for-5 FG (40.0%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 12 minutes, -2 +/-
  Alvarado’s three-pointer in the third sparked a 7-2 run.
• Daniel Theis (C, Reserve): 4 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 10 minutes, -1 +/-
  Theis’s layup in the fourth kept New Orleans close.
• Jordan Hawkins (G, Reserve): 4 points, 1-for-4 FG (25.0%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 8 minutes, -3 +/-
  Minimal impact off the bench.
• Inactives: Brandon Ingram (injury), Brandon Boston Jr. (Coach’s Decision).

Team Stats: 45.5% FG (40/88), 39.0% 3PT (16/41), 71.4% FT (10/14), 49 rebounds (12 offensive), 25 assists, 5 steals, 7 blocks, 19 turnovers, 48 points in the paint, 14 points off turnovers, 12 fastbreak points, 14 second-chance points. The Pelicans’ 19 turnovers and 24 points allowed off turnovers were costly.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (CHI 28, NOP 26): Chicago led 18-12 (6:00) with Vučević’s 6 points. Williamson’s 6 points and 3 assists kept New Orleans close, trailing 28-26 after Murray’s layup (1:15).
• Second Quarter (NOP 56, CHI 54): New Orleans took a 40-38 lead (5:55) with Murphy’s three-pointer. The Pelicans closed with a 7-2 run, led by McCollum’s 6 points, to lead 56-54 at halftime.
• Third Quarter (NOP 82, CHI 78): New Orleans extended their lead to 8 (78-70, 3:30) with Williamson’s 8 points. Chicago responded with a 10-4 run, led by LaVine’s 6 points, to trail 82-78.
• Fourth Quarter (CHI 114, NOP 106): Chicago’s 12-4 run, capped by LaVine’s three-pointer (2:30), gave them a 110-102 lead. McCollum’s three-pointer (1:30) cut it to 110-106, but Vučević’s layup (0:45) sealed the 114-106 win.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Since 2002, the Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans have played 50 regular-season games, with the Bulls leading 27-23. The Bulls average 104.5 points per game (PPG) to the Pelicans’ 103.8 PPG, with opponents averaging 103.8 and 104.5 PPG, respectively. In the 2023-24 season, the Bulls won both games (124-118, 114-106). In 2024-25, the series split 1-1, showcasing:

• Pelicans’ Strengths:
  • Offensive Firepower: New Orleans averaged 114.5 PPG, with Ingram (33 points, October 23) and Williamson (22 points, February 25) leading. Their 56 paint points (October 23) exploited Chicago’s interior defense.
  • Turnover Exploitation: The Pelicans scored 30 points off 21 Bulls turnovers in Game 1.
  • Rookie Impact: Yves Missi’s 12 points and 3 blocks (October 23) showed promise.
• Bulls’ Strengths:
  • Rebounding and Paint Scoring: Chicago’s 49 rebounds and 48 paint points (February 25) overwhelmed New Orleans. Vučević averaged 13.5 rebounds in the series.
  • Three-Point Shooting: The Bulls shot 39.0% from three (February 25), with LaVine (5-for-8, October 23) and Vučević (2-for-4, February 25) contributing.
  • Late-Game Execution: Chicago’s 12-4 fourth-quarter run (February 25) showcased clutch play.

Series Standouts

New Orleans Pelicans

• Brandon Ingram: Series MVP with 33 points, 7 rebounds (October 23), though absent in Game 2 due to injury. His third-quarter scoring and clutch jumper were decisive.
• Zion Williamson: Averaged 22 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists (February 25), with 8 points in the third quarter keeping New Orleans competitive.
• CJ McCollum: Consistent scoring with 23 points (October 23) and 20 points (February 25), averaging 21.5 points, with key three-pointers in both games.

Chicago Bulls

• Nikola Vučević: Double-double machine, averaging 23.5 points and 14 rebounds, with 26 points and 17 rebounds (February 25) anchoring the Bulls’ interior game.
• Zach LaVine: Averaged 25.5 points, with 27 points (October 23) and 24 points (February 25), though turnovers (7 in Game 1) hurt his impact.
• Josh Giddey: Averaged 14 points and 6.5 assists, with 6 assists (February 25) fueling Chicago’s offense.

Team Performance Context

New Orleans Pelicans (21-61, 5th in Southwest, 14th in Western Conference by April 13, 2025)
The Pelicans struggled with a 21-61 record, hampered by injuries to Williamson, Ingram, and Murray. Their offense (110.0 PPG, 23rd in NBA) relied on Williamson (24.4 PPG) and Murphy (22.5 PPG), but their defense (119.2 PPG allowed, 27th) was a liability. Wins over Chicago (October 23) and Dallas (January 15) showed potential, but a 7-game losing streak in April underscored inconsistency.

Chicago Bulls (39-43, 5th in Central, 9th in Eastern Conference by April 13, 2025)
The Bulls finished with a 39-43 record, ranking 10th in scoring (116.0 PPG) but 29th in defense (120.7 PPG allowed). LaVine (24.0 PPG) and Vučević (19.1 PPG) led a potent offense, but turnovers (15.1 per game) and defensive lapses limited their ceiling. Their win over New Orleans (February 25) highlighted their rebounding strength.

Injury and Roster Notes

• New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson missed October 23 (illness) but played February 25. Brandon Ingram (injury) and Herb Jones (shoulder, questionable) were out for February 25. Dejounte Murray played through a hand injury (October 23). Jose Alvarado faced a potential hamstring injury post-January.
• Chicago Bulls: Lonzo Ball (injury) missed October 23 but returned by February 25. Torrey Craig (ankle) and Adama Sanogo (knee) were out for February 25. Ayo Dosunmu (soleus strain) and Coby White (cervical strain) were questionable but played in February.

Conclusion

The New Orleans Pelicans and Chicago Bulls split their 2024-25 NBA season series 1-1, with the Pelicans winning 123-111 on October 23, 2024, and the Bulls responding with a 114-106 victory on February 25, 2025. Brandon Ingram’s scoring and Yves Missi’s emergence powered New Orleans in Game 1, while Nikola Vučević’s rebounding and Zach LaVine’s clutch shooting lifted Chicago in Game 2. The series highlighted both teams’ offensive strengths but exposed defensive vulnerabilities, with turnovers proving costly. For more detailed stats and recaps, visit ESPN, NBA.com, FOX Sports, or Land of Basketball.