New Orleans Pelicans vs Knicks Match Player Stats

The new orleans pelicans vs knicks match player stats from March 25, 2026, reveal how the New York Knicks secured a hard-fought 121-116 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans at Madison Square Garden. Jalen Brunson led New York with 32 points and seven assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds. For New Orleans, Zion Williamson finished with 22 points, and Dejounte Murray contributed 12 assists in a strong playmaking performance.

Although the Pelicans produced better three-point shooting numbers and recorded more assists, the Knicks found ways to control important moments. Their excellent free-throw shooting, stronger rebounding performance, and ability to convert scoring opportunities helped them protect their home court.

The five-point final margin reflected a competitive contest between two teams with different offensive strengths. New York relied on balanced scoring and efficient execution, while New Orleans used ball movement, outside shooting, and individual scoring contributions to remain within reach.

This article examines the complete player statistics, team comparisons, quarter-by-quarter results, individual performances, and major factors that determined the outcome.

Table of Contents

New Orleans Pelicans vs Knicks Match Player Stats: Game Overview

The Knicks hosted the Pelicans on March 25, 2026, at Madison Square Garden in New York. The home team entered the contest with a stronger overall record and used its home-court advantage to secure another victory against New Orleans.

Here is a quick overview of the game.

Game Information	Details
Matchup	New Orleans Pelicans vs New York Knicks
Date	March 25, 2026
Competition	NBA Regular Season
Venue	Madison Square Garden
Location	New York, NY
Attendance	19,812
Final Score	Knicks 121, Pelicans 116
Winning Team	New York Knicks
Losing Team	New Orleans Pelicans
Knicks Record	48-25
Pelicans Record	25-48
Knicks Home Record	27-9
Pelicans Away Record	9-26
Season Series	Knicks won 2-0

New York entered the matchup with an impressive home record of 27-9. The Pelicans, meanwhile, had experienced difficulties on the road, carrying a 9-26 away record into the contest.

The result also completed a season-series sweep for New York. The Knicks had previously defeated New Orleans 130-125 on December 30, 2025.

The March meeting was another close contest, but the Knicks once again finished with the better score.

Final Score and Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

The final score was New York Knicks 121, New Orleans Pelicans 116.

One of the most interesting aspects of this game was the difference between the first and second halves. New York established an early advantage, but New Orleans gradually recovered and made the contest much more competitive.

Quarter-by-Quarter Score

Quarter	New Orleans Pelicans	New York Knicks
First Quarter	28	42
Second Quarter	32	24
Third Quarter	32	27
Fourth Quarter	24	28
Final Score	116	121

First Quarter: Knicks Establish Early Control

The Knicks started the game with an impressive offensive performance, scoring 42 points in the opening quarter.

Their scoring efficiency immediately created problems for the Pelicans. New York moved the ball effectively, found opportunities around the basket, and converted important perimeter shots.

New Orleans scored 28 points, which was a respectable offensive return. However, allowing 42 points in a single quarter created an early deficit that would influence the remainder of the game.

Jalen Brunson’s offensive leadership helped New York establish its rhythm. The Knicks also received useful contributions from their other starters, preventing the Pelicans from focusing entirely on one scorer.

The opening period gave New York a 14-point advantage.

Second Quarter: Pelicans Respond

New Orleans improved considerably in the second quarter.

The Pelicans scored 32 points while limiting New York to 24. Their improved offensive movement allowed several players to become involved in the scoring.

Zion Williamson remained an important presence around the basket, while the perimeter players helped stretch the Knicks’ defense.

The Pelicans also benefited from their ability to move the ball. Their overall assist numbers eventually reached 33, demonstrating how frequently they created opportunities for teammates.

Despite the improved performance, New Orleans still entered halftime trailing 66-60.

Third Quarter: New Orleans Keeps the Pressure On

The third quarter was another competitive period.

New Orleans scored 32 points compared with New York’s 27, reducing the difference to just one point entering the fourth quarter.

This stretch demonstrated that the Pelicans were capable of challenging the Knicks offensively.

Their three-point shooting was particularly effective. Players such as Saddiq Bey and Trey Murphy III provided valuable perimeter production, making it difficult for New York to concentrate entirely on Williamson.

However, the Knicks continued to receive contributions from Brunson, Towns, and OG Anunoby.

New York entered the final quarter with a 93-92 advantage.

Fourth Quarter: Knicks Finish the Job

The fourth quarter ultimately determined the outcome.

New York scored 28 points, while New Orleans managed 24. The Knicks did not need a huge scoring explosion because they already had a narrow advantage.

Instead, they focused on maintaining offensive efficiency and converting opportunities at the free-throw line.

The Knicks finished the game shooting 20-of-22 from the free-throw line, an excellent 91% conversion rate.

That efficiency was particularly important in a five-point game.

New Orleans remained competitive until the final period ended, but the Knicks successfully protected their lead and secured the 121-116 victory.

New York Knicks Player Stats

The Knicks received contributions from several players, but Jalen Brunson was the clear offensive leader.

He scored 32 points and recorded seven assists, giving New York the scoring and playmaking combination it needed.

Karl-Anthony Towns controlled the rebounding battle, while OG Anunoby delivered another productive two-way performance.

Knicks Starting Lineup Statistics

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists
Jalen Brunson	32	1	7
OG Anunoby	21	4	4
Karl-Anthony Towns	21	14	1
Mikal Bridges	14	2	7
Josh Hart	10	8	3

Jalen Brunson: 32 Points and 7 Assists

Jalen Brunson delivered the most important individual scoring performance of the night.

He finished with:

32 points
1 rebound
7 assists
11-of-19 field goals
2-of-4 three-pointers
8-of-9 free throws

Brunson’s field-goal percentage was approximately 58%, showing how efficiently he converted his attempts.

His performance was especially important because he combined scoring with playmaking. Rather than focusing exclusively on getting his own points, he also created opportunities for teammates.

Seven assists demonstrated his ability to organize the offense and keep New York’s attack moving.

He also made eight of his nine free throws. In a close game, those successful attempts helped the Knicks maintain their advantage.

Brunson’s overall contribution made him the standout offensive performer for New York.

Karl-Anthony Towns: 21 Points and 14 Rebounds

Karl-Anthony Towns produced one of the most complete performances of the contest.

His final numbers included:

21 points
14 rebounds
1 assist
8-of-17 field goals
2-of-6 three-pointers
3-of-3 free throws

Towns recorded a double-double and was the Knicks’ leading rebounder.

His 14 rebounds were particularly important because New York finished with seven more total rebounds than New Orleans.

Towns also provided interior scoring and spacing. His ability to score both near the basket and from outside created additional defensive challenges for the Pelicans.

One important detail is that Towns collected 11 defensive rebounds and three offensive rebounds.

Those defensive rebounds helped New York end opposing possessions, while his offensive rebounds created additional opportunities.

OG Anunoby: 21 Points

OG Anunoby was another major contributor to New York’s success.

He recorded:

21 points
4 rebounds
4 assists
7-of-16 field goals
5-of-13 three-pointers
2-of-2 free throws
3 steals
1 block

Anunoby’s five successful three-pointers were valuable because they gave the Knicks another reliable scoring option.

His defensive contribution also deserves attention. Three steals and one block demonstrated his activity on the defensive end.

The combination of scoring and defensive production made him one of the most influential players in the game.

Anunoby also recorded a team-best plus/minus of +17 among the listed Knicks players.

This means New York outscored New Orleans by 17 points during his minutes on the court. It does not mean he personally scored 17 points more than his opponent, but it highlights his overall impact during those minutes.

Mikal Bridges: 14 Points and 7 Assists

Mikal Bridges contributed 14 points and seven assists.

His complete statistical line included:

14 points
2 rebounds
7 assists
5-of-12 field goals
4-of-10 three-pointers

Bridges provided valuable perimeter shooting and helped move the ball around the court.

His seven assists matched Brunson’s total, giving New York two important playmakers.

The ability to receive offensive production from multiple positions made the Knicks more difficult to defend.

Josh Hart: 10 Points and 8 Rebounds

Josh Hart delivered a useful all-around performance.

He finished with:

10 points
8 rebounds
3 assists
3-of-8 field goals
4-of-5 free throws

Although his scoring total was lower than those of Brunson, Towns, and Anunoby, his rebounding contribution was valuable.

Hart helped New York compete for loose balls and maintain possession.

His eight rebounds also demonstrated why his role was important beyond scoring.

Knicks Bench Contributions

New York’s bench also provided useful production.

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists	Blocks
Mitchell Robinson	11	8	0	2
Jordan Clarkson	10	3	5	0
Mohamed Diawara	2	0	1	0
Jose Alvarado	0	1	1	0

Mitchell Robinson delivered an efficient performance, scoring 11 points without missing a field-goal attempt.

He finished 5-of-5 from the field and also collected eight rebounds.

His two blocks added another defensive dimension to the Knicks’ bench production.

Jordan Clarkson contributed 10 points and five assists. His ability to create scoring opportunities helped maintain offensive pressure when the starters were not on the court.

Mohamed Diawara scored two points and added one assist, while Jose Alvarado contributed one rebound and one assist.

Robinson and Clarkson were particularly important because they provided 21 combined points from the bench.

New Orleans Pelicans Player Stats

The Pelicans had several strong individual performances despite losing the game.

Zion Williamson led the team with 22 points, while Saddiq Bey and Trey Murphy III provided important scoring support.

Dejounte Murray recorded 12 assists, giving New Orleans a reliable playmaking presence.

The team’s offensive numbers were competitive, but its inability to overcome the early deficit proved costly.

Pelicans Starting Lineup Statistics

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists
Zion Williamson	22	4	2
Saddiq Bey	18	4	2
Trey Murphy III	16	6	2
Herbert Jones	13	2	6
Dejounte Murray	7	5	12

Zion Williamson: 22 Points

Zion Williamson was New Orleans’ leading scorer.

His performance included:

22 points
4 rebounds
2 assists
8-of-10 field goals
6-of-8 free throws

Williamson shot an impressive 80% from the field.

His efficiency showed how difficult it was for New York to consistently stop him when he attacked the basket.

He converted eight of his ten field-goal attempts and remained one of the Pelicans’ most reliable offensive options.

However, scoring efficiency alone was not enough to secure the victory.

New Orleans needed additional production in important moments, particularly when the Knicks were building and protecting their lead.

Williamson’s performance was still one of the biggest positives for the Pelicans.

Saddiq Bey: 18 Points

Saddiq Bey provided 18 points and valuable outside shooting.

His statistics included:

18 points
4 rebounds
2 assists
6-of-13 field goals
4-of-6 three-pointers
2-of-2 free throws

Bey made four three-pointers, helping New Orleans remain competitive from the perimeter.

His shooting efficiency was particularly impressive because he converted approximately 67% of his attempts from beyond the arc.

This gave the Pelicans another offensive threat alongside Williamson.

Trey Murphy III: 16 Points and 6 Rebounds

Trey Murphy III contributed 16 points and six rebounds.

His final numbers included:

16 points
6 rebounds
2 assists
6-of-15 field goals
4-of-12 three-pointers

Murphy’s four successful three-pointers helped New Orleans maintain its perimeter threat.

He was also the Pelicans’ leading rebounder in the starting lineup.

His ability to contribute in multiple areas made him an important part of the offensive structure.

However, his shooting percentage was lower than Bey’s, and New Orleans needed consistent production from its perimeter players to overcome New York’s advantage.

Herbert Jones: 13 Points and 6 Assists

Herbert Jones finished with 13 points, two rebounds, and six assists.

He also recorded:

6-of-8 field goals
1-of-2 three-pointers
3 steals
1 block

Jones was efficient with his shooting opportunities and provided useful defensive activity.

His three steals were particularly valuable because they created opportunities for New Orleans to regain possession.

His six assists also helped distribute the offensive workload.

Although his overall contribution was strong, the Pelicans needed more scoring from several positions to match New York’s balanced attack.

Dejounte Murray: 7 Points and 12 Assists

Dejounte Murray recorded 12 assists, the highest total among all players in the game.

His final statistics were:

7 points
5 rebounds
12 assists
2-of-12 field goals
1-of-4 three-pointers
2-of-2 free throws

Murray’s passing was one of the most notable statistical achievements of the contest.

He helped create scoring opportunities for Williamson, Bey, Murphy, and other teammates.

His 12 assists accounted for a significant portion of New Orleans’ 33 team assists.

However, his shooting performance was less effective.

He made only two of his 12 field-goal attempts, which limited his personal scoring contribution.

This contrast is important when evaluating his performance. Murray was effective as a facilitator, but New Orleans could have benefited from greater scoring efficiency from its starting point guard.

Pelicans Bench Contributions

New Orleans also received important contributions from its reserve players.

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists
Jeremiah Fears	21	1	3
Karlo Matkovic	12	3	1
Derik Queen	5	5	3
Yves Missi	2	4	2

Jeremiah Fears was the biggest scoring contributor from the Pelicans’ bench.

He recorded 21 points in just 20 minutes, shooting 9-of-12 from the field and 3-of-5 from three-point range.

His performance was particularly impressive because he scored efficiently without needing a large number of attempts.

Karlo Matkovic added 12 points and three rebounds. He converted five of his six field-goal attempts and provided useful interior production.

Derik Queen finished with five points, five rebounds, and three assists.

Yves Missi added two points, four rebounds, and two assists.

The bench production was a positive aspect of New Orleans’ performance, especially considering that Fears and Matkovic combined for 33 points.

Complete New Orleans Pelicans vs Knicks Match Player Stats Comparison

The individual statistics provide a detailed picture of how both teams performed.

The following table highlights the main contributors from each side.

Statistical Category	Knicks Leader	Knicks Total	Pelicans Leader	Pelicans Total
Points	Jalen Brunson	121	Zion Williamson	116
Rebounds	Karl-Anthony Towns	41	Trey Murphy III	34
Assists	Jalen Brunson	29	Dejounte Murray	33
Steals	Multiple Players	5	Multiple Players	5
Blocks	Multiple Players	4	Multiple Players	3
Three-Pointers	OG Anunoby	13 team total	Multiple Players	15 team total

The comparison highlights several differences.

New York recorded more total rebounds and blocks, while New Orleans finished with more assists and successful three-pointers.

The Knicks also benefited from stronger free-throw production.

These differences help explain why the team with fewer three-pointers and assists still won the game.

Team Statistics: Knicks vs Pelicans

Individual performances tell only part of the story. Team statistics provide a better understanding of how the game developed.

Complete Team Stats

Statistical Category	New York Knicks	New Orleans Pelicans
Points	121	116
Field Goals	44-85	45-88
Field-Goal Percentage	52%	51%
Three-Pointers	13-33	15-34
Three-Point Percentage	39%	44%
Free Throws	20-22	11-13
Free-Throw Percentage	91%	85%
Total Rebounds	41	34
Offensive Rebounds	9	6
Defensive Rebounds	32	28
Assists	29	33
Turnovers	9	7
Steals	5	5
Blocks	4	3
Personal Fouls	18	19

Several important observations emerge from these numbers.

1. Knicks Had the Rebounding Advantage

New York collected 41 rebounds compared with 34 for New Orleans.

That seven-rebound difference was important because rebounding affects both offensive opportunities and defensive possessions.

The Knicks also recorded three more offensive rebounds.

These additional possessions gave New York opportunities to extend offensive sequences and put pressure on the Pelicans’ defense.

Karl-Anthony Towns played a major role in this advantage with his 14 rebounds.

Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson also contributed eight rebounds each.

2. Pelicans Were More Effective From Three-Point Range

New Orleans made 15 of its 34 three-point attempts, producing a 44% conversion rate.

The Knicks made 13 of 33 attempts, shooting 39%.

Although the Pelicans made two more three-pointers, this advantage was not enough to compensate for New York’s superior free-throw production.

Saddiq Bey, Trey Murphy III, and other perimeter players helped New Orleans maintain its outside shooting threat.

3. Knicks Had a Major Free-Throw Advantage

One of the biggest differences appeared at the free-throw line.

New York converted 20 of 22 attempts, while New Orleans made 11 of 13.

That created a nine-point advantage in successful free throws.

The Knicks’ 91% conversion rate was particularly important in a game decided by five points.

This statistic demonstrates why free-throw efficiency can influence the outcome even when the opposing team shoots better from three-point range.

4. Pelicans Recorded More Assists

New Orleans finished with 33 assists, four more than New York’s 29.

This showed that the Pelicans were effective at creating scoring opportunities through ball movement.

Dejounte Murray’s 12 assists were central to that performance.

However, assists do not automatically translate into victories. Teams must also convert those opportunities efficiently and control other aspects of the game.

5. Turnovers Were Relatively Close

The Pelicans committed seven turnovers, while the Knicks recorded nine.

New Orleans therefore protected the ball slightly better.

However, the two-turnover difference was not enough to overcome New York’s advantages in rebounding and free-throw shooting.

The game demonstrates that a team can win the turnover battle and still lose when its opponent performs better in other important statistical categories.

Why Did the New York Knicks Beat the Pelicans?

The 121-116 result was not determined by one individual statistic.

Instead, several factors combined to give New York the advantage.

Balanced Scoring Across the Starting Lineup

The Knicks received 21 points each from Anunoby and Towns, 32 from Brunson, 14 from Bridges, and 10 from Hart.

This distribution gave New York several scoring options.

The Pelicans had a strong individual performance from Williamson, but the Knicks were able to spread their offensive production across the lineup.

Having multiple scoring threats makes an offense more difficult to defend because opponents cannot focus on just one player.

Excellent Free-Throw Shooting

New York’s 91% free-throw shooting was a major advantage.

The Knicks made nine more free throws than the Pelicans.

In a close contest, converting those opportunities can make the difference between winning and losing.

This was especially relevant in the fourth quarter, when every successful possession became more important.

Strong Interior Rebounding

The Knicks won the overall rebounding battle 41-34.

Towns led the way with 14 rebounds, while Hart and Robinson each collected eight.

New York’s advantage on the glass helped it control possessions and reduce the Pelicans’ opportunities for second-chance points.

Effective Contributions From the Bench

Mitchell Robinson and Jordan Clarkson combined for 21 points.

Their contributions allowed the Knicks to maintain offensive production beyond the starting lineup.

New Orleans also received strong bench scoring, particularly from Jeremiah Fears, but New York’s overall performance was enough to secure the victory.

Strong Start to the Game

The 42-point opening quarter gave the Knicks a significant advantage.

Although New Orleans responded in the second and third quarters, the early scoring burst helped New York establish a foundation for the victory.

The Knicks did not need to dominate every quarter because their first-quarter performance had already created a useful cushion.

Where Did the New Orleans Pelicans Fall Short?

The Pelicans produced several positive statistical results, but a few weaknesses prevented them from completing the comeback.

Slow Defensive Start

Allowing 42 points in the first quarter placed New Orleans under immediate pressure.

The Pelicans improved defensively in the following periods, but recovering from a 14-point opening-quarter deficit required sustained offensive production.

Missed Opportunities From the Free-Throw Line

New Orleans converted 11 of 13 free throws.

Although an 85% success rate is respectable, the team still scored nine fewer points from the free-throw line than New York.

In a five-point game, this difference deserves attention.

Murray’s Shooting Efficiency

Murray’s 12 assists were excellent, but he converted only two of his 12 field-goal attempts.

His playmaking helped the team create scoring opportunities, but his personal shooting performance limited the pressure he could put on the Knicks’ defense.

Rebounding Disadvantage

New Orleans collected seven fewer rebounds than New York.

The Pelicans also recorded only six offensive rebounds compared with the Knicks’ nine.

This reduced their opportunities to extend possessions and generate additional scoring chances.

Key Individual Matchups

Several individual matchups help explain the statistical differences between the two teams.

Jalen Brunson vs Dejounte Murray

Brunson and Murray had very different offensive responsibilities.

Category	Jalen Brunson	Dejounte Murray
Points	32	7
Rebounds	1	5
Assists	7	12
Field Goals	11-19	2-12
Three-Pointers	2-4	1-4
Free Throws	8-9	2-2

Murray finished with five more assists, but Brunson scored 25 more points.

Brunson’s efficient shooting and scoring volume gave New York a major offensive advantage.

Murray’s primary contribution came through passing and creating opportunities for his teammates.

Karl-Anthony Towns vs Zion Williamson

Towns and Williamson were two of the most influential frontcourt players.

Category	Karl-Anthony Towns	Zion Williamson
Points	21	22
Rebounds	14	4
Assists	1	2
Field Goals	8-17	8-10
Three-Pointers	2-6	0-0
Free Throws	3-3	6-8

Williamson finished with one more point and significantly better field-goal efficiency.

However, Towns dominated the rebounding comparison, collecting ten more rebounds.

The two players demonstrated different offensive strengths. Williamson was highly effective attacking the basket, while Towns contributed through scoring, perimeter spacing, and rebounding.

OG Anunoby vs Trey Murphy III

Both players contributed valuable perimeter production.

Category	OG Anunoby	Trey Murphy III
Points	21	16
Rebounds	4	6
Assists	4	2
Three-Pointers	5-13	4-12
Steals	3	1
Blocks	1	0

Anunoby scored five more points and recorded more assists, steals, and blocks.

Murphy collected two additional rebounds and remained an important outside shooting option.

Anunoby’s broader statistical contribution made him particularly valuable to New York.

What the Statistics Reveal About Both Teams

Looking beyond the final score provides a more meaningful understanding of the contest.

New York’s Offensive Structure

The Knicks demonstrated the benefits of having multiple players capable of scoring and creating opportunities.

Brunson controlled much of the offensive responsibility, but Anunoby, Towns, Bridges, and Hart all contributed.

This made the offense less dependent on a single player.

New York also showed strong shooting discipline at the free-throw line.

Its 91% conversion rate was one of the clearest statistical advantages in the game.

New Orleans’ Ball Movement

The Pelicans recorded 33 assists, showing that their offense could create opportunities through teamwork.

Murray’s 12 assists were particularly important.

The team’s 44% three-point shooting also showed its ability to stretch the floor.

However, its early defensive problems and rebounding disadvantage created challenges that its offensive production could not completely overcome.

The Importance of Different Statistical Categories

This game is a useful example of why basketball analysis should not rely on one statistic.

If someone looks only at three-point shooting, New Orleans appears to have an advantage.

If someone looks at assists, the Pelicans also finished ahead.

However, New York won the rebounding battle, made more free throws, and recorded more blocks.

The final result reflected the combined impact of these categories rather than one isolated performance.

Knicks vs Pelicans Season Series Results

The March 25 matchup was the second meeting between these teams during the 2025-26 regular season.

New York won both games.

Game	Date	Venue	Result
First Meeting	December 30, 2025	New Orleans	Knicks 130-125 Pelicans
Second Meeting	March 25, 2026	New York	Knicks 121-116 Pelicans

The Knicks won the season series 2-0.

Both games were competitive, with New Orleans scoring at least 116 points in each meeting.

However, New York consistently found ways to finish ahead.

Winning both matchups demonstrated the Knicks’ ability to handle the Pelicans’ offensive strengths.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who won the New Orleans Pelicans vs Knicks game on March 25, 2026?

The New York Knicks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 121-116 at Madison Square Garden on March 25, 2026.

2. How many points did Jalen Brunson score against the Pelicans?

Jalen Brunson scored 32 points against New Orleans. He also recorded seven assists and one rebound.

3. How many points did Zion Williamson score against the Knicks?

Zion Williamson scored 22 points. He also collected four rebounds and recorded two assists while shooting 8-of-10 from the field.

4. Who recorded the most rebounds in the game?

Karl-Anthony Towns led all players with 14 rebounds for the New York Knicks.

5. Who recorded the most assists in the Pelicans vs Knicks game?

Dejounte Murray recorded the most assists with 12 for New Orleans. Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges each recorded seven assists for New York.

6. How did the Knicks win despite making fewer three-pointers?

The Knicks made 13 three-pointers compared with New Orleans’ 15. However, New York collected more rebounds and made 20 free throws compared with the Pelicans’ 11. Its 91% free-throw shooting helped secure the five-point victory.

Conclusion

The New York Knicks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 121-116 on March 25, 2026, in a competitive NBA regular-season matchup at Madison Square Garden.

Jalen Brunson was the leading scorer with 32 points and seven assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 21 points and 14 rebounds. OG Anunoby also made a major contribution with 21 points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

For New Orleans, Zion Williamson led the scoring with 22 points, while Jeremiah Fears added an impressive 21 points from the bench. Dejounte Murray recorded 12 assists, and Saddiq Bey contributed 18 points.

The team comparison highlights the main reasons behind the result. New Orleans shot better from three-point range and recorded more assists, but New York dominated the rebounding comparison and converted significantly more free throws.

The Knicks’ 42-point first quarter also played a major role in establishing an advantage that the Pelicans could not completely overcome.

Ultimately, the matchup demonstrated the importance of balanced scoring, efficient free-throw shooting, defensive rebounding, and strong execution during crucial moments. New York’s ability to perform in these areas secured its 121-116 victory and completed a 2-0 season-series sweep over New Orleans.