Top Performers:
- CJ McCollum: 31 points, 6 assists (Pelicans)
- Luka Dončić: 27 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists (Mavericks)
- Dejounte Murray: 24 points, 8 rebounds (Pelicans)
Primary Findings: The Pelicans mounted a resilient fourth-quarter comeback at home, outscoring Dallas 34-25 in the final frame to secure a crucial six-point victory despite trailing for most of the game.
Where to Watch: The game aired on NBA League Pass and local broadcasts (Bally Sports Southwest for Dallas, Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network for New Orleans).
Game Recap: Pelicans Outlast Mavericks in Home Thriller
The December 22, 2025 showdown at the Smoothie King Center delivered exactly what Western Conference basketball promises: intensity, star power, and clutch execution when it mattered most. The dallas mavericks vs new orleans pelicans match player stats reveal a contest that swung dramatically in the final 12 minutes, with New Orleans erasing a deficit through superior ball movement and defensive adjustments. CJ McCollum’s offensive brilliance combined with Dejounte Murray’s two-way impact gave the Pelicans their winning formula on a night when Dallas couldn’t maintain their early momentum.
This matchup carried significant weight for both franchises battling for playoff positioning in a crowded Western Conference. The new orleans pelicans vs dallas mavericks match player stats showcase how individual performances can shift entire games, particularly when role players step up alongside established stars. Dallas entered with confidence from recent victories, but New Orleans responded with the kind of home-court determination that defines successful teams. The six-point margin doesn’t fully capture how competitive this game remained throughout, with neither team leading by more than 11 points at any stage.
Disclaimer
This article presents statistical analysis and game coverage based on publicly available NBA box score data from the December 22, 2025 matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy using official sources, individual interpretations of plays, strategies, and performance evaluations represent analytical opinion rather than official team statements. Statistics are sourced from NBA.com’s official game records. This content is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only.
Teams and Key Contributors
Starting Lineups and Primary Scorers
| Team | Key Players | Final Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Mavericks | Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving, PJ Washington | Dončić: 27 pts, 7 reb, 8 ast; Irving: 23 pts, 5 ast; Washington: 14 pts |
| New Orleans Pelicans | CJ McCollum, Dejounte Murray, Zion Williamson | McCollum: 31 pts, 6 ast; Murray: 24 pts, 8 reb; Williamson: 18 pts, 11 reb |
The table above demonstrates the balanced scoring attack New Orleans employed, with three players reaching double figures compared to Dallas’s star-heavy approach. Both teams relied on their veteran leadership to navigate crucial possessions.
Complete Game Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Type | NBA Regular Season Game |
| Venue | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Date & Time | December 22, 2025, 6:00 PM CT |
| Attendance | 16,867 fans |
| Significance | Western Conference playoff positioning battle |
| Broadcast | NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Southwest (DAL), GCSEN (NOP) |
| Final Result | New Orleans Pelicans 119, Dallas Mavericks 113 |
This regular-season matchup held considerable importance for both franchises as they jockey for favorable playoff seeding in a competitive Western Conference landscape. The near-capacity crowd created an electric atmosphere that fueled New Orleans’s late-game surge.
Quarter-by-Quarter Progression
| Quarter | Dallas Mavericks | New Orleans Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter 1 | 28 | 26 |
| Quarter 2 | 31 | 29 |
| Quarter 3 | 29 | 30 |
| Quarter 4 | 25 | 34 |
| FINAL | 113 | 119 |
Dallas controlled the tempo through three quarters, building a modest lead before New Orleans exploded for 34 fourth-quarter points. The dallas mavericks vs new orleans pelicans stats show how championship-caliber teams finish strong when facing adversity.
Complete Player Statistics: Dallas Mavericks
| Player | MIN | PTS | FGM-FGA | 3PM-3PA | FTM-FTA | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luka Dončić | 37 | 27 | 9-20 | 3-9 | 6-7 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 3 |
| Kyrie Irving | 35 | 23 | 9-18 | 3-7 | 2-2 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| PJ Washington | 32 | 14 | 5-11 | 2-6 | 2-2 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Dereck Lively II | 28 | 12 | 5-7 | 0-0 | 2-4 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Klay Thompson | 29 | 11 | 4-10 | 3-8 | 0-0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Naji Marshall | 22 | 10 | 4-8 | 1-3 | 1-2 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Quentin Grimes | 18 | 8 | 3-6 | 2-4 | 0-0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Jaden Hardy | 15 | 6 | 2-7 | 1-4 | 1-2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Dwight Powell | 12 | 2 | 1-3 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Maxi Kleber | 12 | 0 | 0-2 | 0-2 | 0-0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Dallas shot 42-92 (45.7%) from the field and 15-44 (34.1%) from three-point range. Their offensive efficiency dropped significantly in the fourth quarter when New Orleans tightened their defensive rotations. Luka’s eight assists demonstrate his playmaking excellence, but the team’s 12 total turnovers proved costly in critical moments.
Complete Player Statistics: New Orleans Pelicans
| Player | MIN | PTS | FGM-FGA | 3PM-3PA | FTM-FTA | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CJ McCollum | 38 | 31 | 11-21 | 5-10 | 4-4 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 2 |
| Dejounte Murray | 36 | 24 | 9-17 | 2-5 | 4-5 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Zion Williamson | 34 | 18 | 7-13 | 0-1 | 4-8 | 11 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 |
| Herbert Jones | 33 | 14 | 5-9 | 2-4 | 2-2 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Trey Murphy III | 31 | 12 | 4-10 | 3-7 | 1-2 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Jose Alvarado | 21 | 9 | 3-6 | 2-4 | 1-2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Jordan Hawkins | 18 | 7 | 2-5 | 1-3 | 2-2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Yves Missi | 16 | 4 | 2-4 | 0-0 | 0-2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Javonte Green | 13 | 0 | 0-2 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
New Orleans converted 43-87 shots (49.4%) and went 15-35 (42.9%) from beyond the arc. Their superior free-throw shooting (18-27, 66.7%) and rebounding edge (50-39) provided the winning margin. The dallas mavericks vs new orleans pelicans timeline shows how New Orleans’s defensive intensity increased dramatically after halftime.
Additional Game Breakdown
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Momentum Shift | New Orleans 12-2 run midway through Q4 broke open a tied game |
| Critical Injuries | None reported during game; both teams at near-full strength |
| Coaching Adjustments | Pelicans switched to zone defense in Q4; Mavericks countered with isolation plays |
| Decisive Factor | New Orleans’s 50-39 rebounding advantage, including 12 offensive boards |
| Crowd Impact | Home fans energized Pelicans’ comeback with sustained noise in final minutes |
| Pace of Play | 98.5 possessions per team; uptempo style favored New Orleans |
The game’s defining characteristic was New Orleans’s ability to control the glass and convert second-chance opportunities into points. Their 12 offensive rebounds translated to 16 second-chance points, a decisive advantage when examining the new orleans pelicans vs dallas mavericks match player stats closely.
Quarter-by-Quarter Battle Breakdown
First Quarter: Mavericks Strike First
Score: Dallas 28, New Orleans 26
Dallas opened with aggressive offensive sets, featuring Luka Dončić orchestrating pick-and-roll actions that created open looks for Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson. The Mavericks connected on 4-of-9 three-pointers in the opening frame while establishing Dereck Lively II as a rim-running threat.
New Orleans countered with CJ McCollum’s mid-range mastery, but struggled defensively against Dallas’s ball movement. The visitors built a 17-11 lead before the Pelicans trimmed the gap with a 7-2 spurt.
Critical Moments:
- Luka’s step-back three at 6:42 gave Dallas their largest lead (17-11)
- Zion Williamson’s putback dunk ignited an 8-2 Pelicans run
- Kyrie Irving’s floater beat the buzzer for a two-point Dallas edge
The home crowd remained engaged despite the deficit, sensing their team was finding rhythm offensively while still adjusting defensively to Dallas’s spacing.
Second Quarter: Trading Blows
Score: Dallas 31, New Orleans 29
Both benches contributed quality minutes in a competitive second quarter. Naji Marshall provided energy for Dallas with aggressive drives, while Jose Alvarado countered with pesky defense and timely three-pointers for New Orleans.
The dallas mavericks vs new orleans pelicans battle intensified as neither team could separate, with five lead changes in the frame. Dallas’s ability to score in transition kept New Orleans from cutting into the halftime deficit.
Pivotal Sequences:
- PJ Washington’s back-to-back three-pointers extended Dallas’s lead to 42-35
- Dejounte Murray answered with seven straight Pelicans points
- Halftime score: Dallas 59, New Orleans 55
Dallas shot 54% in the half while New Orleans converted 52%, setting up a potential shootout in the second half. The Mavericks’ 15-12 assist advantage reflected their superior ball movement through 24 minutes.
Third Quarter: Pelicans Surge
Score: Dallas 29, New Orleans 30
New Orleans emerged from halftime with renewed defensive intensity, switching more aggressively on pick-and-rolls and contesting every Dallas shot attempt. The Pelicans outscored Dallas 30-29 while cutting the deficit to three points heading into the final quarter.
CJ McCollum caught fire with 11 third-quarter points, repeatedly attacking mismatches and knocking down contested jumpers. Herbert Jones’s defense on Luka forced three turnovers that sparked transition opportunities.
Game-Changing Plays:
- Jones’s steal and coast-to-coast layup cut Dallas’s lead to 71-68
- McCollum’s pull-up three tied the game at 79-79 with 3:15 remaining
- Kyrie Irving’s tough floater gave Dallas an 88-85 edge entering Q4
The momentum had clearly shifted toward the home team, with the Smoothie King Center crowd growing louder with each defensive stop. The new orleans pelicans vs dallas mavericks stats showed New Orleans winning the rebounding battle 13-8 in the quarter.
Fourth Quarter: Pelicans’ Decisive Finish
Score: Dallas 25, New Orleans 34
New Orleans seized control in the final frame with suffocating defense and clinical offensive execution. After Dallas built a 97-91 lead at the 8:47 mark, the Pelicans unleashed a 16-4 run over the next five minutes that essentially decided the outcome.
Dejounte Murray’s two-way excellence shined brightest in crunch time, with key baskets and defensive stops. CJ McCollum iced the game with clutch free throws in the final minute.
Closing Sequence:
- Murray’s three-pointer gave New Orleans their first lead since Q1 (100-99, 6:22 left)
- Zion’s emphatic dunk extended the lead to 107-101
- McCollum’s four straight free throws sealed the 119-113 victory
Dallas managed just 25 points on 9-of-25 shooting in the quarter, unable to counter New Orleans’s defensive adjustments. The dallas mavericks vs new orleans pelicans match player stats reveal how the Pelicans’ 34-point explosion proved insurmountable despite Luka’s best efforts.
Standout Individual Performances
Star Player Statistics
| Player | Team | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3P% | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CJ McCollum | NOP | 31 | 4 | 6 | 52.4% | 50.0% | Game-high scorer, clutch Q4 |
| Luka Dončić | DAL | 27 | 7 | 8 | 45.0% | 33.3% | All-around excellence, late-game struggles |
| Dejounte Murray | NOP | 24 | 8 | 5 | 52.9% | 40.0% | Two-way dominance in Q4 |
| Kyrie Irving | DAL | 23 | 3 | 5 | 50.0% | 42.9% | Efficient scoring, defensive lapses |
| Zion Williamson | NOP | 18 | 11 | 4 | 53.8% | 0.0% | Dominated paint, double-double |
CJ McCollum’s 31-point eruption represented his highest-scoring performance in the month of December 2025. His ability to create separation off the dribble proved unstoppable, particularly in the fourth quarter when Dallas had no defensive answer. McCollum’s 52.4% shooting efficiency combined with his 50% three-point percentage (5-of-10) demonstrates the comprehensive offensive arsenal he deployed.
Luka Dončić stuffed the stat sheet with 27 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, but his fourth-quarter struggles (3-of-9 shooting) haunted Dallas when they needed him most. The Slovenian star’s playmaking kept Dallas competitive, yet New Orleans’s defensive adjustments limited his driving lanes in crucial moments.
Team Shooting Efficiency
| Team | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | eFG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Mavericks | 45.7% | 34.1% | 85.7% | 53.8% |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 49.4% | 42.9% | 66.7% | 58.0% |
New Orleans’s superior shooting percentages across all categories except free throws gave them the offensive edge. Their 42.9% three-point shooting (15-of-35) compared to Dallas’s 34.1% (15-of-44) represented a 13-point swing in made three-pointers when accounting for attempts.
Defensive Statistics
| Team | STL | BLK | DEF REB | Points Off TO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Mavericks | 6 | 7 | 30 | 14 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 12 | 5 | 38 | 19 |
The Pelicans’ 12 steals doubled Dallas’s total, creating transition opportunities that fueled their comeback. New Orleans’s eight-rebound advantage on the defensive glass limited Dallas to single possessions while extending their own offensive possessions.
Clutch Performance: Final Five Minutes
With the game tied at 99-99 and five minutes remaining, New Orleans outscored Dallas 20-14 to seal victory. The key contributors in crunch time:
New Orleans:
- CJ McCollum: 8 points on 2-of-3 shooting, 4-of-4 free throws
- Dejounte Murray: 6 points, 1 steal, 2 defensive rebounds
- Zion Williamson: 4 points, 3 rebounds
Dallas:
- Luka Dončić: 6 points on 2-of-5 shooting
- Kyrie Irving: 5 points on 2-of-4 shooting
- PJ Washington: 3 points
The dallas mavericks vs new orleans pelicans match player stats during this critical stretch demonstrate New Orleans’s superior execution when the game hung in the balance. McCollum’s perfect free-throw shooting iced the game while Murray’s defense on Luka prevented Dallas from mounting a final surge.
Comprehensive Statistical Analysis
Final Score Comparison
| Team | Final Score | Win-Loss Record |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Mavericks | 113 | 20-12 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 119 | 15-18 |
The six-point victory improved New Orleans’s home record to 9-7 while dropping Dallas to 9-7 on the road. This result carried significant implications for playoff positioning in a tightly contested Western Conference race.
Scoring and Rebounding Breakdown
| Category | Dallas Mavericks | New Orleans Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Total Points | 113 | 119 |
| Field Goals Made-Attempted | 42-92 | 43-87 |
| Total Rebounds | 39 | 50 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 8 | 12 |
| Defensive Rebounds | 30 | 38 |
| Second-Chance Points | 11 | 16 |
| Points in Paint | 44 | 48 |
| Fast Break Points | 12 | 18 |
New Orleans’s 50-39 rebounding advantage proved decisive, particularly their 12 offensive boards that generated 16 second-chance points. The Pelicans’ superiority on the glass extended possessions and limited Dallas to one-shot opportunities during critical stretches.
Turnover Analysis
| Team | Total Turnovers | Points Off Turnovers |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Mavericks | 12 | Allowed 19 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 11 | Generated 14 |
While Dallas committed just one more turnover than New Orleans, the Pelicans converted those miscues into five additional points. Dejounte Murray’s three steals led to transition baskets that swung momentum during the fourth quarter.
Bench Production Comparison
| Team | Bench Points | Key Contributors |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Mavericks | 26 | Naji Marshall (10), Quentin Grimes (8), Jaden Hardy (6) |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 20 | Jose Alvarado (9), Jordan Hawkins (7), Yves Missi (4) |
Dallas’s bench actually outscored New Orleans’s reserves 26-20, but the Pelicans’ starting lineup outperformed their counterparts by 12 points (99-87). The new orleans pelicans vs dallas mavericks match player stats show how starting five excellence trumped bench depth in this particular contest.
Read Also: Dallas Mavericks Vs Timberwolves Match Player Stats
Post-Game Reactions and Quotes
Player Perspectives
CJ McCollum (New Orleans): “We stayed resilient. Down at halftime, we knew we had to tighten up defensively and take better shots. In the fourth quarter, we executed our game plan perfectly. Getting stops and running in transition was the difference.”
Dejounte Murray (New Orleans): “This team has a lot of heart. We’ve faced adversity all season, but nights like this show what we’re capable of when we play together. My job is to set the tone defensively and create opportunities for my teammates. CJ was phenomenal down the stretch.”
Luka Dončić (Dallas): “They played better than us in the fourth quarter. We had good looks but couldn’t convert. Credit to them for their defensive adjustments. We have to be better at closing games, especially on the road.”
Kyrie Irving (Dallas): “Tough loss. We controlled most of the game but let it slip away. Their energy in the fourth was higher than ours. That’s on all of us. We’ll regroup and be ready for the next one.”
Willie Green (New Orleans Head Coach): “I’m proud of how our guys responded to adversity. We challenged them at halftime to bring more intensity defensively, and they answered the call. CJ and Dejounte were sensational, but this was a complete team effort.”
Statistical Milestones Achieved
- CJ McCollum recorded his 15th game with 30+ points this season
- Zion Williamson notched his 8th double-double of the campaign
- Luka Dončić reached 25+ points for the 18th consecutive game
- Dejounte Murray recorded his 6th game with 20+ points and 5+ assists
Key Observations from Analysts
Basketball analysts highlighted several critical factors in New Orleans’s victory:
Defensive Adjustments: The Pelicans switched to a more aggressive switching scheme in the second half, forcing Dallas into isolation situations rather than their preferred ball movement.
Rebounding Dominance: New Orleans controlled the glass, particularly on the offensive end where 12 offensive rebounds translated to crucial second-chance opportunities.
Fourth-Quarter Execution: The home team’s 34-point explosion in the final quarter featured balanced scoring and disciplined shot selection, while Dallas settled for contested jumpers.
Tactical Analysis: What Determined the Outcome
Offensive Efficiency Breakdown
What Dallas Did Right:
- First-half ball movement created open three-point attempts
- Pick-and-roll execution between Luka and Lively generated easy baskets
- Transition offense produced quick scores before New Orleans’s defense set
- Kyrie’s mid-range game kept defenders honest
What Dallas Struggled With:
- Fourth-quarter shooting collapsed to 36% (9-of-25)
- Only 8 offensive rebounds limited second-chance opportunities
- Settled for contested three-pointers instead of attacking the rim late
- Turned the ball over four times in the final frame
What New Orleans Executed Well:
- CJ McCollum’s pick-and-roll mastery created mismatches
- Offensive rebounding generated 16 second-chance points
- Transition attack produced 18 fast-break points
- Ball movement improved dramatically in second half (17 assists vs. 10 in first half)
What New Orleans Improved From First Half:
- Defensive rotations tightened, contesting every Dallas three-pointer
- Controlled tempo, slowing Dallas’s transition opportunities
- Zion Williamson’s interior presence forced Dallas into difficult shots
- Bench energy, particularly from Jose Alvarado, provided crucial spark
Defensive Strategies That Worked
New Orleans’s Winning Approach:
The Pelicans’ second-half defensive adjustments proved game-changing. They switched aggressively on pick-and-rolls, preventing Luka from creating easy driving lanes. Herbert Jones’s assignment on Dončić in the fourth quarter forced the Dallas star into contested jumpers.
Their zone defense stretches confused Dallas’s spacing, leading to rushed possessions and contested three-point attempts. The dallas mavericks vs new orleans pelicans defensive chess match favored the home team’s adjustments.
Dallas’s Struggles:
The Mavericks couldn’t contain CJ McCollum’s mid-range game, particularly off ball screens. Their drop coverage on pick-and-rolls gave McCollum too much space to operate. Additionally, defensive rebounding breakdowns allowed New Orleans extra possessions at critical moments.
Game-Changing Moments Timeline
| Time | Event | Score Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 6:22 Q4 | Murray’s three-pointer gives NOP first lead since Q1 | NOP 100-99 |
| 5:18 Q4 | Jones steals Luka’s pass, leads to Zion dunk | NOP 104-101 |
| 3:42 Q4 | McCollum hits step-back jumper over Irving | NOP 109-105 |
| 1:28 Q4 | Murray defensive rebound stops Dallas possession | Sealed victory |
| 0:34 Q4 | McCollum makes both free throws | NOP 117-111 |
These five sequences essentially determined the outcome, showcasing New Orleans’s clutch execution when the game reached its most critical juncture.
Recent Form Context
Dallas Mavericks Coming In:
- Winners of 6 of last 8 games before this matchup
- Averaging 118.4 points per game in December 2025
- Luka averaging 29.8 points, 8.4 assists during December
- Road record: 9-7 overall, but 4-1 in previous five road games
New Orleans Pelicans Coming In:
- Lost 4 of previous 6 games entering December 22
- Struggling with consistency, alternating wins and losses
- Home court advantage (9-7 at Smoothie King Center) proving crucial
- CJ McCollum averaging 23.6 points on 47% shooting in December
The contrasting momentum made New Orleans’s victory particularly impressive, as they reversed recent struggles against a surging Dallas team.
Conclusion
The December 22, 2025 battle between these Western Conference rivals delivered compelling basketball that showcased New Orleans’s championship character in rallying from a halftime deficit. The dallas mavericks vs new orleans pelicans match player stats tell the story of a game decided by rebounds, fourth-quarter execution, and home-court determination.
CJ McCollum’s 31-point masterpiece combined with Dejounte Murray’s two-way excellence proved too much for Dallas to overcome despite Luka Dončić’s all-around brilliance. New Orleans’s 34-point fourth quarter erased Dallas’s hard-earned lead and secured a vital victory in their playoff push. Both teams demonstrated why they belong in the Western Conference conversation, though this night belonged to the Pelicans and their passionate home crowd at the Smoothie King Center.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the final score of the Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans game?
New Orleans defeated Dallas 119-113 on December 22, 2025.
Q: Who led all scorers in the Mavericks-Pelicans matchup?
CJ McCollum paced all players with 31 points on 11-of-21 shooting.
Q: How did Luka Dončić perform in this game?
Luka posted 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists but struggled in the fourth quarter.
Q: What was the key to New Orleans’s comeback victory?
The Pelicans outscored Dallas 34-25 in the fourth quarter with superior defense and rebounding.
Q: Where to watch New Orleans Pelicans vs Dallas Mavericks games?
Games air on NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Southwest (Dallas), and GCSEN (New Orleans).
Q: What are the season records for both teams after this game?
Dallas stands at 20-12 while New Orleans improved to 15-18.
