New Orleans Pelicans vs. Philadelphia 76ers: February 21, 2026
In a thrilling matchup that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the New Orleans Pelicans faced off against the Philadelphia 76ers. The final score concluded with the Pelicans taking the win at 118-110, a result that shifts the dynamics in the Western Conference and raises questions about the 76ers’ strategies moving forward.
How the Game Unfolded
From the opening tip-off, both teams displayed incredible tenacity. The first quarter saw a back-and-forth exchange of baskets, with neither team able to establish a firm lead. The Pelicans ignited halfway through the quarter with a series of three-pointers, resulting in a quick 12-4 run that put them up 28-22. However, the 76ers answered back as MVP candidate Joel Embiid asserted his dominance in the paint, delivering a ferocious alley-oop that shifted the momentum as the 76ers narrowed the gap.
As the second quarter rolled in, the tide turned when Pelicans point guard CJ McCollum started finding his rhythm. His masterful play led to a quick 14-4 run by New Orleans, pushing their lead to 12 points with just under five minutes left in the half. The 76ers dragged themselves back into contention with a 9-0 run fueled by Tobias Harris, bringing the halftime score to a more manageable 61-58 in favor of the Pelicans.
The third quarter saw the intensity escalate even further. Both teams went on numerous scoring runs, but it was the Pelicans’ ability to weather every surge from Philadelphia that proved crucial. New Orleans closed out the quarter on a high note, securing a 9-point lead thanks to a late dagger from Brandon Ingram.
Turning Points
Coaching decisions played a pivotal role in this game. Pelicans head coach Willie Green decided to give more minutes to rookie phenom Dyson Daniels in the third quarter, allowing the young talent to exploit Philadelphia’s weaker bench. This decision paid off as Daniels chipped in vital contributions that stifled the 76ers’ momentum.
In contrast, 76ers head coach Doc Rivers faced challenges orchestrating his rotations against New Orleans’ versatile offense. Late in the fourth quarter, Rivers opted to double-team McCollum, but this left space for shooters like Ingram and Jonas Valančiūnas. Consequently, the Pelicans capitalized, scoring critical points when it mattered most. A sequence of rapid-fire shots and strong defensive plays created the space they needed to maintain momentum and stretch their lead.
Standout Performances
The night’s highlight was undoubtedly from Pelicans star Brandon Ingram, who poured in an impressive 34 points along with 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Ingram’s ability to create his own shot kept the 76ers guessing. Coupled with McCollum’s 28 points and 7 assists, the Pelicans’ backcourt proved to be an unrelenting force.
For Philadelphia, Joel Embiid continued his stellar season, notching a substantial 30 points and 12 rebounds. His prowess around the rim, coupled with his playmaking, kept the 76ers competitive throughout the matchup. However, he lacked significant support in critical moments. While Harris performed well with 22 points, he needed more help from the bench, specifically from players like De’Anthony Melton who struggled to find his offensive groove.
Furthermore, the Pelicans’ bench delivered a resounding impact, combining for 35 points. Particularly noteworthy was Larry Nance Jr., whose hustle and defensive skill set provided New Orleans with the spark needed to maintain their lead in the fourth quarter.
Standings Context
With this victory, the Pelicans solidified their position as a top contender in the tightly contested Western Conference. Now, boasting a record of 34-22, they firmed up their playoff positioning, essentially separating themselves from the pack chasing the coveted home-court advantage.
On the flip side, the 76ers fell to 29-25, placing them in a precarious position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The pressure is mounting on Rivers and his squad, and they are now facing scrutiny about their late-game strategies and consistency.
What Comes Next
Both teams have pivotal matchups looming on the horizon. The Pelicans will face off against the Phoenix Suns on February 24, which will be a crucial test ahead as they strive to keep their winning momentum alive. In stark contrast, the 76ers will now host the Orlando Magic on February 23 and are desperate for a win to rebound from this setback. The stakes could not be higher as both teams aim to shape their playoff destinies in the coming weeks.
As the NBA season heats up, the playoff picture becomes even murkier, and this game was a vivid reminder of how quickly fortunes can change.
Fan Discussion Question: Which NBA team do you believe poses the greatest threat to the Pelicans’ playoff aspirations?
