Derik Queen Shines in Pelicans’ Victory over Hornets and Mavericks

NEW ORLEANS, La. — Derik Queen, the New Orleans Pelicans center, showcased his potential during two key games this week, helping the Pelicans secure victories against the Charlotte Hornets and the Dallas Mavericks.

Queen’s standout performance on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, marked a turning point for the Pelicans, who snapped a 13-game losing streak. In a thrilling 116-112 win over the Hornets, Queen dominated the fourth quarter, scoring 12 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and dishing out seven assists, all while forcing four steals. His all-around performance made him the first player in NBA history to record 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals in a single quarter since stats were tracked.

“DQ was amazing,” said Pelicans coach Willie Green. “We needed every ounce of what he gave us.” Queen’s contributions were crucial as the Pelicans finally captured their first win of the season after starting with six losses.

Queen, originally drafted with a trade that cost the Pelicans their 2026 first-round pick, faced skepticism early in the season. However, he proved critics wrong during back-to-back nights of impressive performances, including an 11-point game against the Mavericks on Wednesday.

His confidence stems from his collegiate success, particularly a game-winning jumper in the NCAA tournament last March. “Give me the (expletive) ball,” he told his coach at the time, a mindset he carried into the NBA. In his recent games, he expressed that the trade’s pressure fueled his motivation: “I don’t think nobody in that (2026) class is ever going to be better than me.”

As the 21-year-old continues to adapt, he showed his skill set in a recent game against the Mavericks where he recorded 13 points and his first NBA 3-pointer. Former NBA star Tim Duncan praised Queen’s play, demonstrating the rookie’s growing reputation around the league.

“He’s so intelligent,” Green added, highlighting Queen’s commitment to learning and improvement. Queen’s understanding of the game is evident as he frequently asks insightful questions during film sessions. His former high school teammate Cooper Flagg, now a Maverick, exchanged jerseys with him post-game, marking a significant moment for the two rookies.

As he makes strides, fans are starting to embrace him, creating nicknames like “Baby Blizzard” and “Big Easy” in reference to his impressive play and the city of New Orleans. “That’s why Joe and Troy did what they did,” Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado noted, referring to the Pelicans’ management believing in Queen’s potential.

With a growing fanbase and undeniable talent, Derik Queen is quickly becoming a key player for the Pelicans.