Mon Feb 23 02:10:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Pelicans Soar Past Sixers in Dominating Second-Half Performance

The Story:
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 126-111 on Saturday night, fueled by a dominant second-half performance where they outscored Philadelphia 60-35 in the final 21 minutes. Jordan Poole led the charge with 23 points, supported by Zion Williamson’s 21 points and Saddiq Bey’s 20. DeAndre Jordan, in a surprising return after limited playing time this season, contributed significantly with 15 rebounds and 4 blocks. The Sixers, led by Tyrese Maxey’s 27 points and Kelly Oubre Jr.’s 25, suffered their fourth consecutive loss, despite holding a lead for much of the game.

Key Points:

  • The Pelicans outscored the 76ers 60-35 in the last 21 minutes.
  • Jordan Poole scored 23 points with five 3-pointers.
  • DeAndre Jordan had 15 rebounds and 4 blocks in 32 minutes, marking a significant return after limited playing time.
  • Tyrese Maxey scored 27 points for the 76ers, who have now lost four straight.
  • The Pelicans shot 50% from three-point range, making 17 total 3s.
  • The 76ers struggled in the second half, shooting just 31.4% from the field and missing 21 of 24 three-point attempts.
  • The 76ers led from late in the first quarter until the final two minutes of the third, and by as many as 11 points.

Critical Analysis:
The historical context shows the 76ers are at an “inflection point” after this loss to the Pelicans. The loss to the Pelicans suggests a team struggling to find its footing, further compounded by prior losses. The fact that the 76ers led for a significant portion of the game, only to collapse in the second half, indicates potential issues with stamina, adjustments, or team chemistry. The “dreadful loss” to the Pelicans suggests more than just a bad night; it implies deeper problems that need addressing.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Pelicans demonstrated resilience and adaptability, turning a deficit into a decisive victory.
  • DeAndre Jordan’s unexpected impact highlights the importance of veteran experience and depth in a team.
  • The 76ers are facing a crisis, as evidenced by their four-game losing streak and the team being at an “inflection point.”
  • Poor second-half shooting plagued the 76ers and contributed significantly to their downfall.
  • Jordan Poole’s performance indicates his potential to be a key offensive weapon for the Pelicans.

Impact Analysis:
The Pelicans’ victory solidifies their position and boosts team morale, potentially impacting their upcoming game against the Golden State Warriors. For the 76ers, this loss could trigger significant changes in strategy, player rotations, or even personnel. The “inflection point” suggests the team is at a crossroads, and how they respond to this adversity will determine their trajectory for the remainder of the season. The outcome of the next game against Minnesota will be crucial in gauging the 76ers’ ability to rebound from this slump.

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