In the NBA, veteran leadership often comes with a side of “welcome to the league” moments, but the New Orleans Pelicans are rewriting that narrative in style.
After a commanding 126-111 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, Pelicans rookie Derik Queen decided to turn the tables on 17-year veteran DeAndre Jordan. Jordan, making a rare start after being mostly sidelined this season, found himself at the center of a playful postgame moment when Queen humorously took over the mic.
"So how does it feel not playing since November, and getting us a win tonight?"
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 22, 2026
Derik Queen had jokes as he hijacked DeAndre Jordan's postgame interview 😅
(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/pewzSxQ277
“So how does it feel not playing since November, and getting us a win tonight?” Queen quipped, alluding to Jordan’s long stretch of DNPs (Did Not Play).
While Queen delivered the laughs, Jordan was all business on the court. With the Pelicans missing several key players, head coach James Borrego called on the 37-year-old center to step up defensively.
Jordan delivered a throwback performance, snagging 15 rebounds and recording four blocks in 32 minutes. He also contributed six points, showing he still has plenty left in the tank.
The Pelicans took charge in the second half, outscoring the 76ers 60-35 in the final 21 minutes. Jordan Poole spearheaded the offensive effort with 23 points and five three-pointers, while Zion Williamson added 21 points. Saddiq Bey also played a crucial role, chipping in 20 points to help the Pelicans snap their losing streak and improve to 16-42 for the season.
For the 76ers, who were without the injured Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey’s 27 points couldn’t stop their fourth consecutive loss.
The camaraderie between Queen and Jordan underscores why the Pelicans value the veteran’s presence-not just for his defensive prowess, but for the culture he fosters. If Queen feels at ease joking with a seasoned legend on live TV, it’s clear that the vibe in the New Orleans locker room is on the upswing.