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DeAndre Jordan turned back the clock in a dominant defensive showcase last night. The 17-year veteran grabbed 15 rebounds as the Pelicans stormed past the 76ers 126-111, outscoring Philadelphia by an stunning 60-35 margin in the second half. Jordan’s performance marked his first meaningful playing time in months, rejuvenating a New Orleans squad hungry for wins.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Final Score: Pelicans 126, 76ers 111 at Smoothie King Center, February 21, 2026
- DeAndre Jordan Stats: 15 rebounds, 6 points, 4 blocks in 32 minutes (first game action since October 29)
- Pelicans Dominance: New Orleans scored 69-46 second-half points, obliterated third quarter 40-26 with seven double-digit scorers
- 76ers Losing Streak: Tyrese Maxey scored 27 points, but Philadelphia dropped their fourth consecutive game, falling to 30-26
The Vintage DeAndre Jordan Surprise
Jordan hadn’t logged meaningful minutes since October 29, appearing in just two games all season. Interim coach James Borrego made the bold decision to insert the 6-foot-11 center into the starting lineup, prioritizing defensive intensity over offensive contributions. The gamble paid dividends immediately.
Jordan’s 11 first-half rebounds marked his first double-figure board performance before halftime since November 2022. “I have fresh legs,” Jordan quipped after the game. Borrego praised his veteran presence, saying “DeAndre raised everybody’s level. He was ready. He’s been a total pro.” At 37 years old, Jordan proved age is just a number when preparation meets opportunity.
DeAndre Jordan pulls 15 rebounds in Pelicans’ 126-111 victory over 76ers last night
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Poole’s Second-Half Explosion Shifts Momentum
Jordan Poole became the Pelicans’ primary catalyst in the decisive third and fourth quarters. The guard netted 23 points overall, with five 3-pointers that came at crucial moments when New Orleans needed separation.
The turning point erupted early in the second half. Philadelphia led 65-57 at halftime, but New Orleans’ defensive adjustments and balanced offensive attack flipped the script. Poole’s mid-range precision and three-point shooting created scoring droughts for the 76ers, while Zion Williamson’s 21 points and Saddiq Bey’s 20 ensured no opponent could key specifically on any single Pelican.
Seven-Headed Monster Overwhelms Philadelphia
The Pelicans showcased remarkable balance, spreading scoring across multiple contributors. Beyond Poole, Williamson, and Bey, Herb Jones added 14 points, Bryce McGowens contributed 13, and Karlo Matkovic finished with 12. New Orleans made 17 three-pointers while shooting 50% from deep, showcasing lethal offensive diversity.
| Player | Points | Key Contribution |
| Jordan Poole | 23 | Five 3-pointers, second-half dominance |
| Zion Williamson | 21 | 8 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 steals |
| Saddiq Bey | 20 | Balanced scoring throughout |
| Herb Jones | 14 | Perimeter shooting, defensive support |
The 76ers’ offense collapsed in the second half, shooting just 31.4% and missing 21 of 24 three-point attempts after the break. Tyrese Maxey’s 27 points and Kelly Oubre Jr.’s 25 weren’t enough to overcome the defensive suffocation New Orleans imposed alongside Jordan’s rebounding control.
“It was a full team effort. It was a great overall response from last night.”
— James Borrego, Pelicans Interim Head Coach
What This Victory Means for Both Teams
The Pelicans improved to 16-42 with this win, snapping negative momentum after a 139-118 home loss to Milwaukee Friday. More importantly, Borrego’s decision to feature Jordan defensively signals a potential tactical shift toward grit and intensity, traits desperately needed for a struggling franchise fighting for relevance.
The 76ers dropped to 30-26 with their fourth consecutive loss, albeit maintaining the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference standings. Without Joel Embiid, Philadelphia’s offensive firepower relies heavily on Maxey and role players, creating predictability opponents ruthlessly exploited. Philadelphia faces Minnesota next, needing a reset.
Is DeAndre Jordan About to Become the Defensive Wildcard New Orleans Desperately Needed?
The most intriguing question emerging from Saturday’s statement win centers on Jordan’s future role. Having appeared in just twice before this contest, can the 17-year veteran duplicate this performance consistency, or was this a one-game showcase? Borrego’s confidence suggests regular minutes ahead. If Jordan maintains double-digit rebound efforts while defending rugged centers, the Pelicans possess a hidden weapon capable of shifting playoff-seeding equations dramatically. For a bottom-dwelling offense seeking respectability, adding vintage Jordan defense could be transformative.
Sources
- ESPN – Official game recap and player statistics
- NOLA.com – Coach Borrego quotes and detailed game analysis
- Reuters – Game summary and scoring breakdown
