Dec 8, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen (22) brings the ball up court against San Antonio Spurs center/forward Luke Kornet (7) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

'He Was Fantastic' – New Orleans Pelicans Rookie Draws Massive Praise for Career Night Vs. San Antonio Spurs

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Dec 9, 2025 6:14 AM ET

The New Orleans Pelicans may have dropped to 3-22 after losing their seventh consecutive game against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, but at least they continue to see progress from their young standouts.

Derik Queen continues to shine for the New Orleans Pelicans, as he became the first rookie in NBA history to produce a 30-point triple-double after contributing 33 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and four blocks on 11-for-15 shooting from the field and 11-for-13 shooting from the free throw line.

“Special night for him,” interim head coach James Borrego said of Queen via ESPN’s Michael C. Wright. “He was great. He did a really good job defensively on the boards, controlled the offense. We ran a lot of our stuff through him. He was fantastic.”

Dec 8, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans Interim Head Coach James Borrego looks on against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

“He’s a guy I can really play off of, because he’s able to score, pass really well. I’m just using his gravity, find cuts, find openings, get buckets and touches for him as well,” Trey Murphy III added via Jim Eichenhofer.

New Orleans Pelicans News: Derik Queen relishes playmaking role with the team

Derik Queen has recently drawn comparisons to Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic for his ability to put up huge numbers and make plays for his teammates. The 20-year-old center is enjoying his opportunity.

Dec 8, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen (22) fights for position against San Antonio Spurs center/forward Luke Kornet (7) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

“They said they’ve never played with a person like me… I’m going to make sure they get open shots,” Queen said on his role.

With his stellar performance against the San Antonio Spurs, Queen also joined an exclusive group, becoming the fifth player in NBA history, alongside Luka Doncic, LeBron James, De’Aaron Fox, and Victor Wembanyama, to record a triple-double before turning 21.