Pelicans Stun Mavericks 101-97 in Dallas

A Decisive Visit for New Orleans

The New Orleans Pelicans secured a 101-97 victory over the host Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The visiting squad finished with a 2-1 record, while the home team dropped to 1-2. Attendance at the venue reached 17,140 fans who witnessed a tightly contested affair decided by a narrow four-point margin.

The Pelicans controlled the flow of the game through consistent scoring, while the Mavericks struggled to maintain their momentum in the closing minutes.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

New Orleans established an early advantage, leading 24-18 after the first quarter. The Pelicans extended their lead in the second period, scoring 32 points to Dallas’s 27, to take a 56-45 halftime lead. The third quarter saw the Mavericks chip away at the deficit, but New Orleans held firm to enter the final frame with a 75-63 lead.

In the fourth quarter, Dallas mounted a spirited comeback attempt, outscoring the Pelicans 34-26, yet the deficit proved too large to overcome. The final score remained 101-97 in favor of the visitors.

Key Performances

Jeremiah Fears was the standout performer for New Orleans, leading the team with 16 points and providing 5 assists. His all-around contribution was pivotal in maintaining the Pelicans' offensive rhythm. On the defensive end, Derik Queen anchored the Pelicans' frontcourt with a game-high 11 rebounds, limiting Dallas's second-chance opportunities. The Pelicans' balanced attack allowed them to sustain their lead despite the Mavericks' late push.

Mavericks' Effort Falls Short

For Dallas, Tobi Lawal led the scoring effort with 16 points, providing a crucial spark for the home team. However, the Mavericks lacked sufficient support from their bench to close the gap. Sergio de Larrea orchestrated the offense with 6 assists, while P.J.

Washington contributed 7 rebounds. Despite these efforts, the Mavericks could not overcome the Pelicans' consistent performance. The game concluded with the Pelicans holding the four-point advantage, improving their record to 2-1 on the season.

Sources

ESPN