DeAndre Jordan reflected on his first significant minutes of the season after the New Orleans Pelicans overcame the Philadelphia 76ers 126-111 on Saturday night at Smoothie King Center. The veteran center had not played since October 29 but delivered 15 rebounds and four blocks in 32 minutes.
“I got fresh legs. So, yeah, I’m ready to go,” Jordan said, expressing his readiness after months on the sidelines.
He described his reaction to learning he would start as “extremely excited” and called playing in the league “a gift.” Jordan added, “A couple guys had to sacrifice and, you know, that’s what we’re starting to do and learn how to do as a team, man.”
On staying prepared despite limited playing time, he noted, “A lot of us, guys who are out of the rotation, are playing low minutes, five-on-five games before shootaround, post-practice just to kind of keep a rhythm and keep our conditioning up… still get that competition aspect.”
Jordan praised Herb Jones for anchoring the Pelicans’ defense. “Herb Jones, first team all-defense. It starts with him… he guards the best player every night,” Jordan said. “We got to be able to be on the strength for each other and cover for each other and just try to play team defense.”
The 17-year veteran emphasized teamwork over individual impact. “I just try to look at how we can get better as a team. It’s not about me or one guy. Tonight I got the opportunity to play and I took advantage of it and so did Jordan Poole,” he said.
Jordan also reflected on the team’s response to a loss against the Milwaukee Bucks the previous night. “JB was very animated today before our walkthrough and we responded well today,” he said, pointing to the Pelicans’ defensive intensity in the second half.
Addressing his role this season, Jordan noted, “Coming in, I knew it was going to be, you know, play some nights, maybe not play some nights, be a mentor. But when my number is called, I got to be ready, and that’s what it was tonight.”
He also reflected on memorable moments from his career playing alongside Chris Paul, who recently retired. “Got nothing bad to say about CP. The greatest point guard I’ve ever played with… he helped the trajectory of my career. Not only as a teammate, but as a friend,” Jordan said.
Jordan’s presence helped the Pelicans surge late, outscoring Philadelphia 60-35 over the final 21 minutes. Jordan Poole scored 23 points, Zion Williamson added 21 points and eight assists, and Saddiq Bey contributed 20 points. The Pelicans shot 49% overall and 50% from three, finishing 17-of-34 from beyond the arc.
Philadelphia struggled from the field after halftime, shooting 31.4% and going 3-of-24 from three over the final two quarters. Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 27 points, while Kelly Oubre Jr. added 25.
The win improved New Orleans to 16-42, while the Sixers dropped to 30-26 and remain sixth in the Eastern Conference.
