Syed Kamruzzaman
syed kamruzzaman
Jordan Poole second half surge
February 22, 2026 · education

Jordan Poole Second Half Surge Leads Pelicans Past 76ers

Jordan Poole absolutely lit it up in the second half, sparking the New Orleans Pelicans to a huge win over the Philadelphia 76ers. His second half surge wasn’t just impressive—it was straight fire, hitting big shots and pulling the team ahead when they needed it most. The Pelicans pulled out a 126-111 victory, thanks in large part to Poole’s clutch play and sharp shooting down the stretch.

The Core News Story

Here’s what went down on Saturday night: Poole dropped 23 of his points after halftime, including five threes that helped seal the deal. The Pelicans outscored the 76ers 60-35 in the last 21 minutes of the game, mounting a comeback from behind and pulling away decisively. Zion Williamson chipped in with 21 points, while Saddiq Bey added 20 to round out a strong team effort. Philly just couldn’t keep up once Poole caught fire.

Jordan Poole second half surge

Before the game, the Pelicans looked like they might struggle, with the 76ers controlling play early on. But once Poole took over, everything shifted—momentum swung hard in New Orleans’ favor and they never looked back.

Why This Matters

Here’s the deal: Poole’s second half surge doesn’t just make for a great highlight reel—it’s a massive boost for the Pelicans’ playoff chances. Turns out, having a guy who can turn it on suddenly like that right now is exactly what this team needs. Especially with Zion battling through injury concerns, having Poole step up big gives New Orleans some serious hope moving forward.

This win also sends a message around the league. The Pelicans aren’t just a middle-of-the-pack team anymore—they’re a squad that can close games, and Poole’s performance showed just how deadly their backcourt can be. For fans and analysts, this sparks new excitement and changes expectations for how deep New Orleans can go.

Key Data and Facts

  • Jordan Poole scored 23 points in the second half, hitting five three-pointers.
  • The Pelicans outscored the 76ers 60-35 during the final 21 minutes.
  • Zion Williamson added 21 points despite limited minutes.
  • Saddiq Bey contributed 20 points, supporting the team’s scoring punch.
  • Final score was 126-111 in favor of the Pelicans, sealing a comfortable win.

Looking Ahead

What’s next for the Pelicans? With performances like Poole’s popping up, they’re gearing up for a solid playoff run. If this kind of energy keeps coming, New Orleans could surprise a lot of people. The timing couldn’t be better as teams ramp up intensity down the stretch.

Stay tuned because the Pelicans have some tough matchups ahead, and players like Poole will need to keep delivering. For more insight on the team’s journey and what to expect next, check out this link where the latest updates and analysis are breaking down the Pelicans’ path forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many points did Jordan Poole score in the second half? A: Poole scored 23 points in the second half alone.

Q: Did Zion Williamson play a big role in the win? A: Yes, Zion added 21 points and helped pace the Pelicans.

Q: What does this win mean for the Pelicans’ playoff hopes? A: It’s a huge step, showing they can close out games and compete with top teams.

Bottom line: Jordan Poole’s second half surge turned the tide and gave the Pelicans a win they desperately needed. That kind of clutch playing can define a season, and right now, New Orleans looks primed to make some noise. Keep your eyes on Poole—he’s just getting started.

Photo credits: Ricky Esquivel, Diego Concepción (via pixabay.com)