NBA Roundup: Zion Powers Pelicans, Lakers Navigate Injuries, and a Rookie Sharpshooter Makes History
Pelicans Find Their Groove Behind Zion’s Late-Game Heroics
Don’t look now, but the New Orleans Pelicans are heating up-and Zion Williamson is leading the charge.
With the game hanging in the balance, Williamson took over in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 straight points in a dominant stretch that helped seal a 119-113 win over the Mavericks. He finished with 24 points on the night, but it was his physicality and control down the stretch that turned the tide. Time and again, Zion barreled his way to the rim, overpowering defenders and finishing through contact-vintage stuff from a player who looks increasingly comfortable putting the team on his back.
This latest win marks five in a row for New Orleans, their longest streak since 2022. That’s a remarkable turnaround for a team that started the season 3-22. While they’re still clawing their way out of an early-season hole, the Pelicans are finally playing like a team with purpose-and some bite.
It wasn’t just Zion doing the heavy lifting. Rookie big man Derik Queen posted a strong double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds, showing off his soft touch around the rim and a growing presence on the glass. Saddiq Bey added 19 and 7, and Trey Murphy III came through at the free-throw line to close it out.
There’s still a lot of ground to cover in the West, but New Orleans is no longer just trying to stay afloat-they’re starting to look like a team that could make some noise.
Lakers Dealing with Key Injuries Ahead of Christmas Clash
The Lakers are juggling a few key injuries as they prepare for Tuesday’s matchup with the Suns-and they’ll be without one of their biggest stars.
Luka Doncic has been ruled out due to a lingering left calf contusion, an issue that’s flared up multiple times this season. Head coach JJ Redick acknowledged the recurring nature of the injury and said the team is actively looking for ways to better manage the workload on Doncic’s legs.
“It’s happened a bunch,” Redick noted, hinting at ongoing conversations within the staff about long-term solutions.
Austin Reaves is listed as questionable with a mild calf strain, and Rui Hachimura will sit out with a groin issue. That leaves the Lakers a bit thin on the wing, though there was some positive news on the injury front: Deandre Ayton returned to practice and has been cleared to play after missing two games with elbow soreness.
With a Christmas Day showdown against Houston looming, the Lakers are hoping to get healthy in a hurry. But for now, they’ll need to lean on their depth and find ways to patch things together without Doncic steering the ship.
Hornets Rookie Kon Knueppel Breaks Record with Historic Shooting Pace
The Hornets didn’t get the win in Cleveland, but they may have walked away with something even more significant: a record-breaking performance from rookie Kon Knueppel.
Knueppel became the fastest player in NBA history to reach 100 made three-pointers, hitting the milestone in just his 29th career game. He went 5-of-7 from beyond the arc on the night, finishing with 20 points and continuing a torrid pace that’s left even seasoned shooters in the dust.
To put it in perspective, Knueppel reached the mark 12 games faster than the previous record-holder-and nearly 30 games quicker than Stephen Curry, the gold standard for modern shooters.
“He’s got a phenomenal base,” head coach Charles Lee said postgame, pointing to Knueppel’s mechanics, footwork, and preparation as key ingredients in his early success.
The fourth overall pick has been a revelation for Charlotte, averaging 19.4 points per game while shooting north of 40 percent from deep. That’s not just good for a rookie-it’s elite by any standard.
The Cavs may have taken the win, but Knueppel’s performance was the headline. And if this pace holds, the Hornets may have landed a foundational piece for years to come.