The New Orleans Pelicans finally tasted victory in the summer league on Tuesday, snapping a twelve‑game winless streak with a 95‑91 triumph over the Charlotte Hornets. The win, played at the team's practice facility, marked the Pelicans' first summer league victory since 2023 and came after a sluggish start that left them trailing by double digits early in the contest.
Hunter Dickinson was the catalyst, pouring in 21 points and anchoring a defense that forced crucial turnovers. His performance was complemented by guard Kobe Bufkin, who contributed 19 points and pulled down six rebounds, helping to steady the offense during the mid‑game stretch.
The turning point arrived in the fourth quarter, where the Pelicans erupted for 30 points while holding the Hornets to just 15. That 30‑15 burst erased an 18‑point deficit and flipped the momentum, allowing New Orleans to seize a narrow lead that they would protect to the final buzzer.
Next up, the Pelicans are slated to meet the Phoenix Suns in a highly anticipated matchup. The game is scheduled for a 2 p.m. tip‑off and will be broadcast live on the Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network, giving fans across the region a chance to follow the team's resurgence.
A Fourth‑Quarter Surge
What made the comeback especially striking was the team's ability to execute on both ends of the floor when it mattered most. The Pelicans' perimeter shooting improved dramatically, while their interior presence limited the Hornets to a handful of second‑chance opportunities.
Coach James Borrego praised the collective effort, noting that the win was as much about mindset as it was about execution. "We stayed patient, kept moving the ball, and trusted each other," he said after the game.
The victory also provided a boost for the franchise's younger talent, with both Dickinson and Bufkin showcasing the kind of all‑around play that could influence the Pelicans' rotation heading into the regular season.