New Orleans Pelicans vs Washington Wizards Match Player Stats

The NBA’s regular season continues to deliver excitement and breakout performances, and the latest clash between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Washington Wizards was no exception. Played at the Smoothie King Center on January 3, 2025, this game offered an offensive explosion, defensive gaps, and a milestone night for one of the league’s most respected scorers.

Despite entering the game with struggling records, both teams had something to prove. The Wizards came in at 6-26, with an abysmal 1-13 away record, while the Pelicans weren’t faring much better, sitting at 3-22. Yet, this showdown wasn’t short on entertainment or standout performances.

Most notably, CJ McCollum lit up the arena with a 50-point performance, helping the Pelicans secure a 132-120 victory. Meanwhile, Jordan Poole led the scoring effort for the Wizards, who couldn’t overcome a cascade of turnovers and defensive lapses.

Let’s explore how the game played out and break down the player stats, team dynamics, and historical context behind this entertaining matchup.

How Did the Pelicans Manage to Defeat the Wizards 132-120?

The Wizards started the night hot, putting up a massive 37 points in the first quarter, which gave them an early 8-point lead. Their offense clicked, and the Pelicans appeared sluggish out of the gate. But as the game unfolded, the Pelicans tightened their defense, got into a rhythm offensively, and slowly took control of the contest.

By the second quarter, New Orleans began chipping away at Washington’s lead, ultimately outscoring them in each of the final three quarters. The momentum shifted as CJ McCollum found his rhythm, while the Pelicans’ bench brought much-needed energy.

What sealed the game, however, was New Orleans’ ability to take care of the basketball. The Wizards committed 21 turnovers, compared to just 8 from the Pelicans. Those extra possessions proved decisive, especially as the Pelicans capitalized on fast-break chances and open three-pointers.

Here’s a look at how the scoring unfolded across each quarter:

Quarter	Wizards	Pelicans
Q1	37	29
Q2	31	33
Q3	29	35
Q4	23	35
Final	120	132

While the Wizards began with early dominance, the Pelicans’ consistency and ball control flipped the game in their favour.

Who Were the Standout Performers of the Game?

The spotlight of the night was undoubtedly on CJ McCollum, who dropped an astonishing 50 points on just 27 shots, shooting 66.7% from the field and a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line. This performance was not only McCollum’s career-high but also a much-needed lift for a Pelicans team trying to build some positive momentum during a tough season.

For the Wizards, Jordan Poole led the charge with 26 points, while Kyle Kuzma added 19 points and 6 rebounds. However, it was clear the team lacked discipline on both ends of the court, particularly in transition defense and protecting the ball.

While McCollum stole the show, other players contributed meaningfully. Zion Williamson brought physicality in the paint with 18 points and 6 rebounds, and Brandon Ingram played a balanced role, finishing with 17 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds.

What Do the Individual Player Stats Reveal?

Individual statistics provide a more detailed view of how the game unfolded and highlight the efficiency gap between the teams.

Player	Team	Points	Assists	Rebounds	FG%	3P%
CJ McCollum	Pelicans	50	5	4	66.7%	62.5%
Jordan Poole	Wizards	26	3	3	44.4%	33.3%
Zion Williamson	Pelicans	18	3	6	54.5%	—
Kyle Kuzma	Wizards	19	2	6	47.0%	38.0%
Brandon Ingram	Pelicans	17	5	4	50.0%	40.0%

These stats illustrate the high-efficiency shooting from the Pelicans’ key players, compared to a less consistent output from the Wizards.

How Did the Overall Team Stats Compare?

Statistically, the Wizards actually outshot the Pelicans from the field, recording a 54% shooting percentage compared to New Orleans’ 50%. However, those numbers didn’t tell the full story. The turnover battle made a massive difference, and the Pelicans shot better from beyond the arc, draining 44% of their three-point attempts.

Statistic	Wizards	Pelicans
Field Goal %	54%	50%
Three Point %	32%	44%
Free Throw %	87.5%	81.8%
Turnovers	21	8
Total Rebounds	48	37
Points in the Paint	54	46
Fast Break Points	11	19

Although Washington controlled the glass, their turnovers gave the Pelicans a clear edge in possession and scoring opportunities.

What Does the Head-to-head History Between the Teams Show?

Dating back to 2015, the Pelicans and Wizards have played 20 regular-season games, with each team claiming 10 wins. That balanced record is no longer reflective of current form, though, as the Pelicans have now won four of the last five matchups, including the latest three.

Here’s a summary of their last five games:

Date	Winner	Final Score
Jan 3, 2025	Pelicans	132–120
Feb 14, 2024	Pelicans	133–126
Dec 13, 2023	Pelicans	142–122
Jan 28, 2023	Wizards	113–103
Jan 9, 2023	Pelicans	132–112

Historically, this matchup has swung back and forth, but recently, the Pelicans have had the upper hand, particularly on their home court.

What Does This Performance Mean for the Pelicans’ Season?

The win brings the Pelicans to a record of 4-22, still near the bottom of the Western Conference. However, this game gave them a sense of confidence and a chance to build chemistry, especially among their key offensive players.

CJ McCollum’s performance reaffirms his value as a veteran leader on the court. Meanwhile, the combination of Williamson and Ingram continues to show potential, but the team needs to build consistency and improve defensively.

Offensive efficiency was clearly a strength in this game. If they can maintain low turnover counts and continue shooting well from deep, they may be able to climb slightly in the standings or at least develop momentum heading into the second half of the season.

What Went Wrong for the Wizards?

For the Wizards, this was another frustrating road loss in a season full of missed opportunities. They now sit at 6-26 with a 1-14 record away from home. While Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma showed flashes of brilliance, the team’s inability to control the basketball continues to haunt them.

Their 21 turnovers in this game resulted in numerous transition buckets for the Pelicans. The lack of bench production and defensive effort especially in guarding the perimeter, left them exposed.

With upcoming games against the Cavaliers, Bulls, and Rockets, the Wizards must tighten their defensive rotations and work on reducing errors if they hope to turn their season around.

How Does This Game Affect League and Conference Standings?

The result does little to change the broader picture, but it offers insights into where both teams currently stand in the league’s hierarchy.

Western Conference Standings

Rank	Team	Record
11	Mavericks	9–16
12	Jazz	8–15
13	Kings	6–18
14	Clippers	6–18
15	Pelicans	4–22

Eastern Conference Standings

Rank	Team	Record
11	Nets	6–17
12	Pacers	6–18
13	Kings	6–18
14	Wizards	6–26
15	Raptors	10–16

The Pelicans and Wizards are near the bottom of their respective conferences and are both seen as potential lottery teams this season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who scored the most points in the game?

CJ McCollum of the New Orleans Pelicans scored 50 points, marking a career-high for him.

How many turnovers did the Wizards commit?

Washington committed 21 turnovers, which significantly impacted their chances of winning.

What was the Pelicans’ shooting percentage from three?

The Pelicans shot 44% from beyond the arc, far outperforming the Wizards.

Who led the Wizards in scoring?

Jordan Poole led the Wizards with 26 points on 8-of-18 shooting.

What is the head-to-head record between the teams?

Since 2015, the Pelicans and Wizards are tied at 10–10 in regular-season matchups.

How many fans attended the game?

There were 17,307 attendees at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

Are the Pelicans improving offensively?

Yes. Their recent games show better offensive flow and reduced turnovers, particularly in this win.