Spurs Overcome Third-Quarter Struggle to Defeat New Orleans

In a thrilling matchup, the San Antonio Spurs managed to overcome a tough third quarter to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 135-132. This victory came just two days after the Spurs struggled defensively, allowing 44 points to the Cleveland Cavaliers in their previous game.

Spurs’ Third-Quarter Challenges

During the latest game, the Spurs held a substantial 20-point lead at halftime. However, they faced another third-quarter collapse, surrendering 45 points to New Orleans, which has one of the lowest-ranked offenses in the league. Head coach Mitch Johnson expressed his disappointment, acknowledging the Pelicans’ tenacity and skill in turning the game around:

• “They didn’t quit, and they made some shots, and they flipped the game,” Johnson said.

Dylan Harper Shines

Rookie Dylan Harper stepped up under pressure, scoring crucial baskets. He finished with 22 points, contributing 9 points and 3 assists in the decisive fourth quarter. With just 9 seconds left, Harper scored the go-ahead basket, demonstrating his poise and skill:

• Harper’s clutch play included driving to the basket and finishing strong over defenders.

Pelicans’ Strong Performance

Despite the defeat, New Orleans rookie Derik Queen was a standout player, recording a triple-double with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. He was particularly dominant in the third quarter, scoring 21 points with perfect shooting. However, a crucial three-pointer attempt at the end came up short:

• Queen shot 6-6 from the field and 8-8 from the free-throw line in that quarter.

Defensive Struggles for San Antonio

The Spurs continued to struggle defensively, especially in the paint, where they were outscored 84-62. The Pelicans exploited the Spurs’ weak interior defense and utilized a two-three zone, impacting San Antonio’s offensive flow significantly. Only three Spurs scored in the third quarter, highlighting their struggles during this critical period.

Key Contributions from the Bench

Support from the bench proved essential for San Antonio. Julian Champagnie was particularly effective, scoring 17 points, including five three-pointers. Kelly Olynyk also made a strong impact, scoring 11 points while showcasing defensive effort.

Season Overview and Upcoming Challenges

With this victory, the Spurs improved their record to 16-7 and remained unbeaten against teams with a losing record. They will next travel to Los Angeles for an NBA Cup game against the Lakers, where they might see rising star Victor Wembanyama make his long-awaited return.