At 3-22, the Pelicans own the worst record in the Western Conference. New Orleans is 1-9 over its last 10 and has lost nine consecutive games.
That includes a tough 135-132 home loss to the Spurs on Monday. Rookie center Derik Queen led the way for the Pelicans on Monday evening vs. San Antonio. The 20-year-old had a career-best game for New Orleans. He finished with 33 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and four blocks. Queen is the first rookie in NBA history to record that stat line. Additionally, he is the fifth rookie this century to record a 30-point triple-double.
Derik Queen was dominant for the Pelicans on Monday despite the loss
DERIK QUEEN: 33p, 10r, 10a, 4b 🤯
The FIRST ROOKIE since blocks began being tracked in 1973-74 to record a 30-point triple-double with 4 blocks! pic.twitter.com/VRk0dvbcqk
— NBA (@NBA) December 9, 2025
With the 13th pick in the 2025 NBA draft, the Hawks selected Derik Queen out of Maryland. However, Queen was traded on draft night to the Pelicans. That’s where the rookie center has started his NBA career. Derik Queen has played in all 25 games for New Orleans in 2025-26. Additionally, Queen has made 13 consecutive starts for the Pelicans. Since being named a starter, Queen’s production has improved.
On Monday, December 8, the Pelicans hosted the Spurs. Despite being down 20 points at halftime, New Orleans battled San Antonio in the second half. The Pelicans rallied in the final two quarters but lost 135-132. Rookie Derick Queen had a monster second-half performance. He had 21 points, four rebounds, and five assists in quarters three and four.
Derik Queen put on a show vs. the Spurs but the Pelicans came up short 😳
He becomes just the 5th player in NBA history to drop a 30-point triple-double before turning 21! pic.twitter.com/V7H8xSA4M9
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 9, 2025
For the game, the big man finished with 33 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and four blocks. That was a new career-high in points and blocks in a game. This was the fifth time in NBA history that a player under 21 recorded a 30-point triple-double. Queen joins Lebron James, Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, and De’Aaron Fox. Solid company for the rookie center finding his way.
Derik Queen is the first rookie in NBA history with 33 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and four blocks in a game. New Orleans loves to see their center finishing a game with that type of performance. It brings hope to a franchise that is desperate to get back in playoff contention. After the loss on Monday, the Pelicans are 3-22 this season. While it’s a miserable start to the season for the team, Derrik Queen is off to a strong start as a rookie.
