Tag: James Borrego

Zion closes out Bulls as injury-hit Pelicans star makes winning return

Zion Williamson
December 2025

Zion Williamson returned from a right hip adductor strain to post 18 points off the bench, including seven in the final four minutes, sparking the last-place Pelicans to a 114-104 home win over the Bulls and easing fears after yet another injury-interrupted start to his season. Limited to just under 27 minutes in his first game back after missing five, Williamson leaned on improved summer conditioning, capped his night with a late dunk and admitted rehab “sucks” but is now shorter thanks to better preparation, while James Borrego praised him for working back slightly ahead of schedule.

Rookie Queen erupts for first triple double in Pelicans’ narrow loss to Spurs

Derik Queen
December 2025

Pelicans rookie Derik Queen delivered his first NBA triple double with 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in only his 25th game, carrying New Orleans back from a twenty point deficit before missing a late go ahead shot in a tight 135-132 defeat to the Spurs. Drafted thirteenth after New Orleans traded consecutive first rounders to Atlanta, Queen bullied defenders inside, finished tough paint looks and created for team mates, earning praise from Alvarado and interim coach Borrego as a rare bright spot amid the Pelicans’ 3-23 start and heavy external criticism of the trade.

Zion Williamson returns from hamstring strain in Pelicans’ loss to Nuggets

Zion Williamson
November 2025

Zion Williamson made his comeback for New Orleans with 14 points, six rebounds and five assists in 29 minutes during a 125-118 loss to Denver, offering a vital on-court boost to a Pelicans team that has slumped badly without him. Interim coach James Borrego kept Zion on a managed load in his first game since early November, praising his impact on the team’s spirit and the gravity he created for scorers like rookie Derik Queen, but New Orleans’ 2-13 record underlines how fragile their season remains around his availability.

Pelicans fire Willie Green and hand Borrego the reins after 2-10 collapse

Willie Green and James Borrego (New Orleans Pelicans)
November 2025

The New Orleans Pelicans dismissed head coach Willie Green after a 2-10 opening, installing assistant James Borrego as interim boss while Joe Dumars cited repeated losses in the same manner and a failure to establish nightly effort as key reasons for the decision. Green’s tenure was shaped by Zion Williamson’s recurring injuries and only two first round playoff exits, while Dumars rebuilt the roster with veterans and lottery picks that have yet to gel. Borrego inherits a struggling squad with 70 games left and vows to add toughness and his own imprint immediately.

Knicks Interview Borrego as Head Coach Search Widens

James Borrego, New York Knicks
June 2025

The Knicks will interview Pelicans assistant James Borrego for their vacant head coach role. He joins Mike Brown, Taylor Jenkins, and Micah Nori among the formal candidates as the franchise reshapes after parting ways with Tom Thibodeau.
Borrego’s past head coaching experience with Charlotte and offensive credentials in New Orleans made him a top target. After other teams declined interest, the Knicks are expanding their shortlist to secure a fresh direction.

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