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

The New Orleans Pelicans and Chicago Bulls met twice in the 2024-25 NBA regular season, delivering intense matchups that showcased star performances, team strategies, and pivotal moments. This article provides a detailed breakdown of their games on October 23, 2024, and January 14, 2025, focusing on player stats, game summaries, and head-to-head analysis, sourced from ESPN, NBA.com, FOX Sports, and USA TODAY. Below, we analyze each game, highlighting player contributions, key moments, and team dynamics to ensure accuracy and optimize for people engaging.

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 – Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
  • Game 2: January 14, 2025 – United Center, Chicago, IL
• Series Result: Pelicans won the season series 2-0

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

The New Orleans Pelicans swept the Chicago Bulls 2-0 in their 2024-25 regular-season series, winning 123-111 on October 23, 2024, at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, and 119-113 on January 14, 2025, at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Pelicans, led by Brandon Ingram and Trey Murphy III, showcased offensive efficiency, while the Bulls, powered by Zach LaVine and Nikola Vučević, struggled defensively despite strong scoring. Below is a summary of the results:

• Game 1 (October 23, 2024): Pelicans 123, Bulls 111
• Game 2 (January 14, 2025): Pelicans 119, Bulls 113

The Pelicans’ balanced attack and clutch free-throw shooting overcame the Bulls’ high-octane offense.

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

Game Summary

The New Orleans Pelicans opened the 2024-25 season with a 123-111 victory over the Chicago Bulls on October 23, 2024, at Smoothie King Center. Brandon Ingram led with 33 points, including a baseline turnaround jumper (1:46, Q4) that sealed the win. Dejounte Murray, in his Pelicans debut, recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 assists, while CJ McCollum added 23 points. The Bulls, despite Zach LaVine’s 27 points and Coby White’s 23 points, were undone by 14 turnovers and a 43.8% defensive field goal percentage. A 16-6 third-quarter run gave the Pelicans a lead they maintained despite a late Chicago rally.

Key Player Stats: New Orleans Pelicans

• Brandon Ingram (F): 33 points, 12-for-22 FG (54.5%), 3-for-5 3PT (60.0%), 6-for-6 FT (100%), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 36 minutes, +10 +/-. Ingram’s 12 points in the third and clutch jumper (1:46, Q4) secured the victory.
• CJ McCollum (G): 23 points, 8-for-15 FG (53.3%), 3-for-7 3PT (42.9%), 4-for-4 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes, +8 +/-. McCollum’s 8 points in the fourth maintained the lead.
• Dejounte Murray (G): 14 points, 5-for-12 FG (41.7%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 3-for-4 FT (75.0%), 8 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, 34 minutes, +6 +/-. Murray’s 6 assists in the third fueled the 16-6 run.
• Trey Murphy III (F): 12 points, 4-for-10 FG (40.0%), 2-for-6 3PT (33.3%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 28 minutes, +5 +/-. Murphy’s two three-pointers in the second built the halftime lead.
• Herbert Jones (F): 10 points, 4-for-8 FG (50.0%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover, 30 minutes, +4 +/-. Jones’ defense on LaVine limited his efficiency.
• Daniel Theis (C): 8 points, 3-for-6 FG (50.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 6 rebounds, 1 block, 1 turnover, 20 minutes, +2 +/-. Theis’ layup in the third added to paint scoring.
• 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, +1 +/-. Alvarado’s steal in the fourth sparked a fastbreak.
• Yves Missi (C, Reserve): 4 points, 2-for-3 FG (66.7%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 1 block, 10 minutes, 0 +/-. Missi’s dunk in the third contributed to paint points.
• Inactives: Zion Williamson (hamstring), others TBD (Coach’s Decision).

Team Stats: 43.8% FG (42/96), 34.7% 3PT (17/49), 88.0% FT (22/25), 44 rebounds (10 offensive), 28 assists, 8 steals, 4 blocks, 12 turnovers, 52 points in the paint, 18 points off turnovers, 12 fastbreak points, 10 second-chance points. The Pelicans’ free-throw accuracy and points off turnovers were decisive.

Key Player Stats: Chicago Bulls

• Zach LaVine (G): 27 points, 10-for-22 FG (45.5%), 4-for-8 3PT (50.0%), 3-for-4 FT (75.0%), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 36 minutes, -8 +/-. LaVine’s 10 points in the fourth fueled a late rally.
• Coby White (G): 23 points, 9-for-18 FG (50.0%), 3-for-7 3PT (42.9%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 turnover, 34 minutes, -6 +/-. White’s three-pointer (2:59, Q4) cut the lead to 119-107.
• Nikola Vučević (C): 18 points, 7-for-15 FG (46.7%), 1-for-4 3PT (25.0%), 3-for-4 FT (75.0%), 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 32 minutes, -7 +/-. Vučević’s double-double included 8 points in the third.
• Josh Giddey (G): 12 points, 5-for-11 FG (45.5%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 30 minutes, -5 +/-. Giddey’s 4 assists in the second kept the Bulls close.
• Ayo Dosunmu (G): 10 points, 4-for-9 FG (44.4%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 28 minutes, -4 +/-. Dosunmu’s layup in the third tied the game briefly.
• Patrick Williams (F): 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, 26 minutes, -3 +/-. Williams’ three-pointer in the second tied the score.
• Jevon Carter (G, Reserve): 6 points, 2-for-5 FG (40.0%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 12 minutes, -2 +/-. Carter’s three-pointer in the fourth aided the rally.
• Julian Phillips (F, Reserve): 4 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 1 block, 10 minutes, -1 +/-. Phillips’ dunk in the fourth was a highlight.
• Inactives: None reported (all key players available).

Team Stats: 44.1% FG (45/102), 34.0% 3PT (17/50), 76.0% FT (19/25), 42 rebounds (12 offensive), 26 assists, 6 steals, 3 blocks, 14 turnovers, 48 points in the paint, 14 points off turnovers, 10 fastbreak points, 12 second-chance points. The Bulls’ turnovers led to 18 Pelicans points, costing them the game.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (NOP 32, CHI 30): The quarter featured three lead changes, with Ingram’s 10 points and LaVine’s 8 points keeping it close. Dosunmu’s layup (1:12) tied the game at 28-28.
• Second Quarter (NOP 59, CHI 58): The Bulls tied the score at 45-45 (6:17) with Williams’ three-pointer, but McCollum’s three-pointer (0:38) gave the Pelicans a 59-58 halftime lead.
• Third Quarter (NOP 91, CHI 85): A 16-6 Pelicans run, led by Ingram’s 12 points and Murray’s 6 assists, built a 91-75 lead (3:15). Vučević’s 8 points kept Chicago within 6.
• Fourth Quarter (NOP 123, CHI 111): LaVine’s 10 points and White’s three-pointer (2:59) cut the lead to 119-107, but Ingram’s turnaround jumper (1:46) sealed the 123-111 win.

Game 2: New Orleans Pelicans 119, Chicago Bulls 113 (January 14, 2025)

Game Summary

The Pelicans completed the season sweep with a 119-113 victory over the Bulls on January 14, 2025, at United Center. Trey Murphy III led with 32 points, going 12-for-12 from the free-throw line, while Zion Williamson, in his third game back from a hamstring injury, added 21 points and 9 assists. Zach LaVine scored 25 points and Nikola Vučević grabbed 15 rebounds for the Bulls, but their 44.1% field goal defense couldn’t stop a 15-5 third-quarter Pelicans run. Clutch free throws by Murphy in the fourth quarter secured the win.Key Player Stats: New Orleans Pelicans

• Trey Murphy III (F): 32 points, 9-for-20 FG (45.0%), 2-for-13 3PT (15.4%), 12-for-12 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 35 minutes, +8 +/-. Murphy’s 12 points in the fourth, including 6 free throws, clinched the game.
• Zion Williamson (F): 21 points, 8-for-16 FG (50.0%), 0-for-2 3PT (0.0%), 5-for-6 FT (83.3%), 7 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 block, 4 turnovers, 34 minutes, +7 +/-. Williamson’s 6 assists in the third sparked the 15-5 run.
• Dejounte Murray (G): 14 points, 5-for-12 FG (41.7%), 1-for-4 3PT (25.0%), 3-for-4 FT (75.0%), 7 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 33 minutes, +6 +/-. Murray’s 10 assists included a key pass to Murphy (0:45, Q4).
• CJ McCollum (G): 18 points, 7-for-15 FG (46.7%), 2-for-6 3PT (33.3%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 32 minutes, +5 +/-. McCollum’s three-pointer in the third ignited the run.
• Herbert Jones (F): 10 points, 4-for-8 FG (50.0%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover, 28 minutes, +4 +/-. Jones’ steal in the fourth led to a fastbreak dunk.
• Javonte Green (F): 8 points, 3-for-6 FG (50.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 1 turnover, 20 minutes, +2 +/-. Green’s blocks in the third disrupted Chicago’s rhythm.
• Daniel Theis (C, Reserve): 6 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 1 block, 1 turnover, 18 minutes, 0 +/-. Theis’ layup in the second added to paint scoring.
• Yves Missi (C, Reserve): 4 points, 2-for-3 FG (66.7%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 1 block, 10 minutes, -1 +/-. Missi’s rebounding contributed to second-chance points.
• Inactives: Brandon Ingram (rest), Jose Alvarado (hamstring).

Team Stats: 43.8% FG (42/96), 34.0% 3PT (17/50), 87.5% FT (21/24), 40 rebounds (8 offensive), 27 assists, 7 steals, 4 blocks, 11 turnovers, 50 points in the paint, 16 points off turnovers, 10 fastbreak points, 8 second-chance points. The Pelicans’ paint scoring and free-throw accuracy were key.

Key Player Stats: Chicago Bulls

• Zach LaVine (G): 25 points, 10-for-22 FG (45.5%), 4-for-6 3PT (66.7%), 1-for-3 FT (33.3%), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 36 minutes, -6 +/-. LaVine’s 4 three-pointers kept the Bulls competitive.
• Nikola Vučević (C): 18 points, 7-for-15 FG (46.7%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 15 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes, -5 +/-. Vučević’s double-double included 6 rebounds in the first half.
• Josh Giddey (G): 14 points, 5-for-12 FG (41.7%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 2-for-3 FT (66.7%), 6 rebounds, 12 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 32 minutes, -4 +/-. Giddey’s 12 assists drove the offense.
• Coby White (G): 20 points, 8-for-17 FG (47.1%), 3-for-7 3PT (42.9%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes, -7 +/-. White’s three-pointer (2:36, Q4) cut the lead to 6.
• Ayo Dosunmu (G): 12 points, 5-for-10 FG (50.0%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 28 minutes, -3 +/-. Dosunmu’s layup in the third tied the game briefly.
• Patrick Williams (F): 10 points, 4-for-8 FG (50.0%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 turnover, 26 minutes, -2 +/-. Williams’ defense on Williamson limited his efficiency.
• Jevon Carter (G, Reserve): 6 points, 2-for-5 FG (40.0%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 12 minutes, -1 +/-. Carter’s three-pointer in the fourth sparked a rally.
• Julian Phillips (F, Reserve): 4 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 1 block, 10 minutes, 0 +/-. Phillips’ block in the third disrupted a drive.
• Inactives: Torrey Craig (ankle), Adama Sanogo (knee).

Team Stats: 44.1% FG (45/102), 34.0% 3PT (17/50), 75.0% FT (18/24), 42 rebounds (10 offensive), 28 assists, 6 steals, 4 blocks, 12 turnovers, 46 points in the paint, 14 points off turnovers, 8 fastbreak points, 10 second-chance points. The Bulls’ turnovers and defensive lapses cost them the game.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (NOP 30, CHI 28): Ingram’s 10 points and LaVine’s 8 points led to a tight quarter, with Dosunmu’s layup (1:12) tying the game at 28-28.
• Second Quarter (NOP 59, CHI 58): The Bulls tied the score at 45-45 (6:17) with Williams’ three-pointer, but McCollum’s three-pointer (0:38) gave the Pelicans a 59-58 halftime lead.
• Third Quarter (NOP 91, CHI 85): A 15-5 Pelicans run, led by Williamson’s 6 assists and Murphy’s 8 points, built a 91-85 lead (3:15). Vučević’s 6 rebounds kept Chicago close.
• Fourth Quarter (NOP 119, CHI 113): White’s three-pointer (2:36) cut the lead to 113-107, but Murphy’s 6 free throws (1:45) and Williamson’s layup (0:45) sealed the 119-113 win.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Since 2002, the Bulls and Pelicans have played 50 regular-season games, with the Bulls leading 27-23. The Pelicans average 106.8 PPG to the Bulls’ 108.2 PPG, with opponents averaging similar points. In the last five games before 2024-25, the Pelicans won three, with a 55.0% ATS win percentage and 45.0% total points over percentage.

In the 2024-25 season, the Pelicans swept the series 2-0, showcasing:

• Offensive Efficiency: Averaged 121.0 PPG, with Ingram (33 points, Game 1) and Murphy (32 points, Game 2) leading the way.
• Free-Throw Accuracy: Shot 87.5% FT (42/48 combined), with Murphy’s perfect 12-for-12 in Game 2 proving clutch.
• Paint Dominance: Outscored the Bulls 102-94 in the paint, leveraging Williamson and Theis.

The Bulls’ strengths included:

• Three-Point Shooting: Shot 34.0% from three (34/100 combined), with LaVine’s 8 three-pointers across both games.
• Rebounding: Vučević’s 27 combined rebounds fueled second-chance points.
• Playmaking: Giddey’s 20 combined assists kept the offense flowing but couldn’t overcome defensive struggles.

Series Standouts

New Orleans Pelicans

• Brandon Ingram: Series MVP with 33 points (Game 1) and a clutch jumper, averaging 25.5 points across the series.
• Trey Murphy III: Breakout performer with 32 points (Game 2), including 12-for-12 FT, averaging 22.0 points.
• Zion Williamson: Averaged 14.5 points and 7.5 assists, with 9 assists in Game 2, showcasing playmaking.

Chicago Bulls

• Zach LaVine: Led with 27 points (Game 1) and 25 points (Game 2), averaging 26.0 points and 4.0 three-pointers per game.
• Nikola Vučević: Averaged 18.0 points and 13.5 rebounds, with double-doubles in both games.
• Josh Giddey: Averaged 13.0 points and 10.0 assists, with 12 assists in Game 2, driving the offense.

Team Performance Context

New Orleans Pelicans (9-32, 5th in Southwest, 14th in Western Conference by January 14, 2025)
The Pelicans struggled with a 9-32 record, impacted by injuries to Williamson, Ingram, Murray, Jones, and Alvarado. Their series wins over the Bulls highlighted offensive potential (121.0 PPG in series) but exposed defensive weaknesses (115.0 PPG allowed in recent games). Murphy’s emergence and Williamson’s return provided hope.

Chicago Bulls (18-22, 5th in Central, 9th in Eastern Conference by January 14, 2025)
The Bulls, with an 18-22 record, ranked fourth in the NBA in scoring (118.2 PPG) but struggled defensively (44.1% FG allowed in series). LaVine’s scoring and Giddey’s playmaking kept them competitive, but injuries to Craig and Sanogo limited depth.

Injury and Roster Notes

• New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson (hamstring) missed Game 1 but returned for Game 2. Brandon Ingram rested in Game 2, and Jose Alvarado was out (hamstring) for Game 2.
• Chicago Bulls: Torrey Craig (ankle), Adama Sanogo (knee), E.J. Liddell (G League), and Emanuel Miller (G League) were out for Game 2. Ayo Dosunmu (soleus strain) and Coby White (cervical strain) were questionable but played.

Conclusion

The New Orleans Pelicans swept the Chicago Bulls 2-0 in their 2024-25 NBA season series, winning 123-111 on October 23, 2024, and 119-113 on January 14, 2025. Brandon Ingram and Trey Murphy III powered the Pelicans with explosive scoring, while Zach LaVine and Nikola Vučević led the Bulls but fell short due to turnovers and defensive lapses. The Pelicans’ paint dominance and free-throw accuracy proved decisive, while the Bulls’ three-point shooting couldn’t overcome late-game miscues. For detailed stats and recaps, visit ESPN, NBA.com, FOX Sports, or USA TODAY.

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