First royal triple-double for Derrick Quinn

You can be nicknamed “Baby Jokic” and have never recorded a triple-double in your career. At least it was like that until Monday evening Derrick Queen. The Pelicans pivot, known for his passing quality, had never seen a 3-pointer before, not even in high school or in the NCAA.

Against Spursthe rookie corrected this mistake, and in a great way: 33 points on 11/15 shooting and 11/13 free throws, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 blocks. Rare figures, even unique for beginners.

Simply, no rookie center has achieved a “triple-double” with at least 30 points in the entire history of the NBA! Impressive for someone who will only turn 21 on December 27th and who became the fifth player under the age of 21 to post a triple-double after LeBron James, De’Aaron Fox, Luka Doncic and Victor Wembanyama.

« Not bad for someone who was injured all preseason » he reacted. « Many doubted. I doubted myself a bit, it was the first time I got injured like this, and seeing how things were going at the beginning of the season… I had a bit of difficulty, I had to pull myself together. I had to do something. »

A rare and precious profile

On Monday against San Antonio, the 13th pick in the last draft, there seemed to be no shortage of confidence in the second period. While New Orleans just sank with 77 points conceded at halftime and a 20-point deficit, the Pelicans left control of operations inside.

The result? A monstrous third quarter, where we only saw Derrick Quinn everywhere and constantly: 21 points on 6/6 and 9/9 free throws, 4 rebounds and 5 assists. And above all, the match completely restarted with two points ahead for the Louisiana franchise before entering the final quarter.

« This is a special night for him » Pelicans coach James Borrego called. « He was great in the second half. He really did a great job defending, rebounding and controlling our offense. We’ve run a lot of our systems for it. He was fantastic. He made the right reads on most possessions. He put on one hell of a show. » Historic performance even with a new closed club, players who signed a quarter with 20 points and 5 assists without a single turnover, and so far only LeBron James, Brandon Ingram and Tyus Jones have done it.

Derrick Quinn appears there as the only interior on the lot, which shows the extent to which his game is separate, already well-identified in college and irresistible on Monday. ” Trey (Murphy III) and Herb (Jones) told me they’ve never played with someone like me » shared Derrick Quinn in front of the microphone. ” So they’re going to do everything to score, they know I’m going to make sure they have open shots. »

Trey Murphy III used this to great effect against San Antonio: he was responsible for five of his “big man’s” ten assists tonight. Freed up, the winger was relieved of some of his offensive duties to better find preferred positions and be more efficient (32 points including 23 on 9/10 shooting in the second period). ” They have good synergy, and everyone does, with Queen » welcomed by James Borrego. ” The way we are moving without the ball at the moment is very good. It’s hard to defend against that. »

Queen, king without victory

« He is a really special player James Borrego insisted. “To have a center like that in the pivot position who can finish plays and create a play is really special. You don’t see that often in this league. I don’t know how to say it other than his special performance: creating the play, passing the ball, creating for others and for himself, going to the rim… And he made actions at the right time, in these decisive moments he is a special young man. »

His demonstration could have ended in the most beautiful way, when he had the winning shot within reach, alone at 3 points. But Derrick Quinn’s kick was too short and that’s what he remembered most about his night.

« That’s bullshit. Stats are cool, but they don’t matter. I just want to win. I can’t just be satisfied tonight. This must be regular. » « He’s growing a lot, but he really took a step forward tonight » summed up James Borrego, who relayed the message he sent his young player after this latest missed shot. ” You put us in this position. And you will be again. We believe you. Believe in this. »

Derrick Quinn could have been even more frustrated as his friend Dylan Harper crucified New Orleans, the symbol of an already impressive 2025 draft crop. The Pelicans’ future looks a little more positive with their young center, who is taking full advantage of Zion Williamson’s absence to gain depth in the game. Which may have Joe Dumars and those in charge of the franchise thinking about who to entrust with the keys to the game.

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How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.