Pelicans 121 - Hawks 99 (10/31/2026): Bey's 25 Points Propel Win

The New Orleans Pelicans found their rhythm on Halloween night, cruising past the Atlanta Hawks 121-99. With this victory, the Pelicans improved their record to 2-4, giving their fans something to cheer about at the Smoothie King Center. Despite the Hawks' efforts, they fell to a 3-4 record in the season.

From the get-go, the Pelicans set the tone with a commanding first quarter. They outscored the Hawks 35-18, putting the visitors on the back foot early. The Pelicans shot a strong 56.6% from the field, showcasing their offensive efficiency.

Strong Starts and Star Performances

Saddiq Bey led the way for the Pelicans with 25 points, making 9 of his 13 shots. His contributions, along with Jeremiah Fears’ 20 points and 7 assists, proved too much for the Hawks to handle. Zion Williamson also added 15 points, playing a key role in the team's win.

Kingston Flemings stood out for the Hawks, managing 12 points and 6 assists, but it was not enough to overcome the Pelicans' dynamic attack. Jalen Johnson chipped in with 13 points and 7 rebounds, showing his versatility on the court.

The Pelicans' defense was relentless, forcing the Hawks into 19 turnovers. They also tallied 15 steals, demonstrating their aggressive approach on the defensive end. This high-pressure defense stifled the Hawks' offensive plans throughout the game.

Hawks' Struggles From Deep

One of the key struggles for the Hawks was their poor shooting from beyond the arc. They converted only 8 of their 46 three-point attempts, a mere 17.4%. This shooting struggle hampered their efforts to close the gap with the Pelicans.

Despite hitting 91.3% of their free throws, the Hawks couldn’t keep up with the Pelicans' free-flowing offense. The Pelicans capitalized on their chances, making 28 of their 35 free throw attempts, maintaining a solid 80% success rate.

Rebounding was another area where the Pelicans held the advantage, securing 49 boards compared to the Hawks’ 36. With 39 defensive rebounds, the Pelicans ensured that the Hawks had limited second-chance opportunities.

Looking Ahead

Both teams now look forward to their next games on November 2nd. The Hawks will travel to face the Indiana Pacers, while the Pelicans will meet the Memphis Grizzlies on the road. Each team aims to build momentum and climb up the conference standings.

For the Pelicans, maintaining their offensive output and tightening up defensively will be crucial in their upcoming games. They have demonstrated the ability to score efficiently, which will serve them well as they progress through the season.

The Hawks, under the guidance of head coach Quin Snyder, will look to bounce back quickly. Improving their shooting accuracy and reducing turnovers will be key areas to address as they aim to enhance their record in the Eastern Conference.

As the season unfolds, both teams will continue to adjust and refine their strategies. The Pelicans will seek to climb higher in the Western Conference, while the Hawks hope to solidify their standing in the East. Fans can anticipate engaging basketball as these squads continue to develop their skills and teamwork.