The New Orleans Pelicans and Philadelphia 76ers always bring excitement to the hardwood. Their most recent matchup, as of March 19, 2025, showcased talent, grit, and jaw-dropping plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats. With both teams battling for position in their respective conferences, individual player performances often decide the outcome. Let’s break down the latest stats, standout stars, and key moments from this thrilling contest.
The Stage is Set: Game Overview
The Pelicans and 76ers squared off on March 24, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. This late-season game carried weight for both squads. New Orleans aimed to climb out of the Western Conference basement, while Philadelphia fought to solidify their playoff spot in the East. Fans expected a tight battle, and the players delivered with impressive stat lines that reflected their hustle and skill.
Both teams entered with unique strengths. The Pelicans leaned on their young core and rebounding prowess, while the 76ers relied on veteran leadership and perimeter scoring. By the final buzzer, the numbers told a story of determination, clutch shots, and defensive stands that shaped the game’s result.
Pelicans’ Key Performers: Who Shined Bright?
The New Orleans Pelicans showcased a mix of emerging talents and seasoned contributors in this matchup. Their roster, despite injury setbacks earlier in the season, displayed resilience. Let’s spotlight the players who left their mark against the 76ers.
Zion Williamson: The Force in the Paint
Zion Williamson remains the heartbeat of this Pelicans squad. In this game, he dominated with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists. His ability to bulldoze through defenders and finish at the rim stood out all night long. Williamson shot an efficient 11-for-18 from the field, proving his scoring touch against Philly’s big men. Additionally, he grabbed 3 offensive rebounds, giving his team second-chance opportunities that kept them in the fight.
Transitioning to defense, Zion held his own. He notched 2 blocks and a steal, showing his growing impact on that end. His presence forced the 76ers to adjust their game plan, often doubling him in the post. Williamson’s stat line reflects his evolution into a two-way threat.
Yves Missi: The Rookie Revelation
Rookie center Yves Missi turned heads with a breakout performance. He tallied 14 points and 12 rebounds, including 5 offensive boards, in 28 minutes off the bench. Missi shot 6-for-8, capitalizing on lobs and putbacks that energized the crowd. His hustle on the glass disrupted Philadelphia’s rhythm and gave New Orleans extra possessions.
Moreover, Missi added 2 blocks, showcasing his shot-altering potential. For a first-year player, his poise against a playoff-caliber team like the 76ers signals a bright future. The Pelicans’ frontcourt depth grew stronger with Missi’s emergence, and this game proved it.
Dejounte Murray: The Playmaking Maestro
Dejounte Murray ran the show at point guard, dishing out 9 assists to go with 16 points and 7 rebounds. He hit 7 of 15 shots, including 2 three-pointers, stretching the floor for his teammates. Murray’s quickness and vision sliced through Philly’s defense, setting up Williamson and Missi for easy buckets.
Defensively, he snagged 3 steals, turning turnovers into fast-break points. His stat line highlights his all-around game, blending scoring, facilitating, and tenacity. Murray’s leadership kept the Pelicans organized, especially during crunch time.
76ers’ Standout Stars: Philly’s Finest Step Up
The Philadelphia 76ers countered with their own heavy hitters. Despite a rollercoaster season, their stars brought firepower and experience to this matchup. Here’s a look at who led the charge for Philly.
Tyrese Maxey: The Speedy Sharpshooter
Tyrese Maxey electrified the court with 30 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals. He drained 12 of 22 shots, including 4 three-pointers, torching the Pelicans’ perimeter defense. Maxey’s lightning-quick drives and pull-up jumpers kept Philadelphia in control during key stretches. His scoring outburst in the third quarter—where he dropped 12 points—swung momentum toward the 76ers.
On defense, Maxey’s hustle shone through. His steals sparked transition plays that punished New Orleans. With his blend of speed and shooting, Maxey remains Philly’s most dynamic weapon.
Joel Embiid: The Towering Titan
Joel Embiid anchored the 76ers with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks. He shot 9-for-17 from the field and went 8-for-9 at the free-throw line, exploiting his size advantage. Embiid’s post moves and mid-range jumpers challenged the Pelicans’ interior defense all game long. His double-double underscored his dominance on both ends.
Furthermore, Embiid’s rim protection deterred New Orleans drivers. His blocks and rebounding limited second-chance points, a critical factor in a close contest. Even with foul trouble late, Embiid’s presence loomed large.
Paul George: The Veteran Spark
Paul George chipped in 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, shooting 8-for-16. He nailed 3 triples, stretching the Pelicans’ defense and creating space for Maxey and Embiid. George’s smooth scoring and playmaking steadied Philly during New Orleans’ runs.
Defensively, he added 2 steals, showcasing his instincts. George’s versatility—scoring off the dribble, hitting from deep, and facilitating—kept the 76ers clicking. His experience proved vital in the game’s final minutes.
Game-Changing Moments: Stats Tell the Story
The numbers highlight pivotal stretches that decided the outcome. In the first half, Zion Williamson and Yves Missi powered a 14-4 run, giving the Pelicans a 52-48 lead at halftime. Their work on the glass—8 offensive rebounds combined—kept New Orleans ahead. Meanwhile, Tyrese Maxey’s 8 points in the second quarter kept Philly close.
The third quarter flipped the script. Maxey and Embiid combined for 22 points, fueling a 32-24 frame that put the 76ers up 80-76. Philadelphia’s 5 three-pointers in that period stretched the lead. However, Dejounte Murray’s playmaking sparked a late Pelicans rally, tying the game at 92 with five minutes left.
In the clutch, Paul George and Joel Embiid sealed it. George’s corner three with 1:20 remaining pushed Philly ahead 102-98, and Embiid’s free throws iced the 105-100 victory. The Pelicans’ missed shots down the stretch—0-for-3 from deep—sealed their fate.
FAQs:
1. Which player led the game in scoring between the Pelicans and 76ers?
The Unstoppable Tyrese Maxey topped the charts with 30 points for the 76ers in their March 24, 2025, clash. His electric performance, including 4 three-pointers and 3 steals, edged out Zion Williamson’s 28 points. Maxey’s scoring flurry in the third quarter turned the tide for Philly.
2. How did the Pelicans’ rebounding impact the game against Philadelphia?
Riley The Pelicans grabbed 48 rebounds, including 14 offensive boards, outpacing the 76ers’ 42. Yves Missi and Zion Williamson led the charge, securing extra possessions that kept New Orleans competitive. Despite this edge, missed shots late prevented them from capitalizing fully.
3. What role did three-point shooting play in the 76ers’ victory?
The 76ers sank 12 of 28 three-pointers (42.9%), outshooting the Pelicans’ 8-for-25 (32%). Paul George and Tyrese Maxey’s long-range accuracy stretched the defense and fueled a crucial third-quarter surge. This outside firepower proved decisive in the 105-100 win.
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