New Orleans Pelicans recorded a second straight win and coincidentally, it came at a time when they finally unleashed their 2025 13th overall pick Derik Queen.
Pelicans get back to back wins after losing their first six. They took one away from the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday and then won a close one against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday and in the middle of both victories was their rookie who has a combined scoring of 23 points in both games. He also had seven steals in the last two days.
Derik Queen highlights in our first win of the season. What do you see? Who does he remind you of? 🃏 pic.twitter.com/T1EvXvrDit
— BayouSniper 🦅 (@HorizonAllGo) November 5, 2025
The numbers might not be staggering but most of his stats were achieved in the fourth quarter and in clutch time. Him playing inspired basketball is inspiring the New Orleans fans and thinking they now have a future to wait for through the 6’9 center.
In one play, he even got the bench out of their seats with one gesture that is now going viral.
Derik Queen is devious, man
Lost his man with the spin cycle, then sticks his tongue out at the help defender, knowing that it’s too little too late
The vibes in NOP are night and day from where they were just 2 games ago, when the team was winless and the future looked bleak pic.twitter.com/1TaX3KCzQZ
— Point Made Basketball (@pointmadebball) November 6, 2025
He also hit an and-1 with 11 seconds to go to give his team a 4-point lead.
This play by Derik Queen to win the game is just nutty for a rookie pic.twitter.com/CbIHySKQp0
— Herb4DPOY (@Herb4DPOY) November 6, 2025
Queen’s minutes have gone up ever since the news of star Zion Williamson’s injury although he did play 35 minutes in the overtime loss to the San Antonio Spurs on October 24.
His current display has many fans amused and they now think the Pelicans got a star in them.
Derik Queen takes command of the team
Queen may only be a rookie but he already knows how to assert himself. That’s what coach Willie Green personally witnessed during crunch time against the Mavs.
“It’s a heck of a production he gave us in the 4th quarter. His passing ability. He has always been a good rebounder,” Green started recalling Queen’s initiative to take matters to his hands when needed.
“He was telling his teammates “Look yall gotta cut and move. I am looking to pass the ball”. And then he’s a guy who’s deceptive, he’s getting deflections. He had four steals.”
Green also praised the young man for his basketball I.Q. and drive to learn and become better.
“He is so intelligent. You guys aren’t privy to the questions he asks us but he is asking questions every film session. He makes you think. He makes you go back to the drawing board and make sure you have good answers for him”
— Willie Green on what Derik Queen brings pic.twitter.com/18ziLb1D3b
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) November 6, 2025
For the latest Basketball Content
Make sure you are always updated on your favorite basketball players and teams. Follow us @HardwoodHeroics for the latest and trending news about NBA, college basketball, and more. Stay updated by reading more of our NBA articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!
