March 16, 2025
San Antonio, TX – In a closely contested matchup at the Frost Bank Center, the San Antonio Spurs edged out the New Orleans Pelicans with a final score of 119-115 on Saturday night. The victory improves the Spurs’ record to 28-38, keeping their hopes alive for a spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament.
Key Performances
- San Antonio Spurs:
- Devin Vassell: Led the team with 22 points, including a pivotal 3-pointer in the final minute.
- Keldon Johnson: Contributed 19 points off the bench, with 12 points during a crucial third-quarter surge.
- Harrison Barnes: Added 19 points, showcasing his veteran presence on the court.
- Stephon Castle: Chipped in with 17 points, providing consistent offense throughout the game.
- New Orleans Pelicans:
- C.J. McCollum: Delivered a standout performance with 26 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds.
- Trey Murphy III: Scored 20 points, demonstrating his shooting prowess.
- Bruce Brown: Added 19 points, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor.
- Kelly Olynyk: Recorded 14 points, seven assists, and six rebounds, showcasing his versatility.
Game Highlights
The Pelicans started strong, leading 73-65 early in the third quarter. However, the Spurs responded with a 25-8 run, highlighted by Jeremy Sochan’s half-court buzzer-beater, giving them a 92-83 lead entering the fourth quarter.
In the final minutes, with the Spurs’ lead narrowed to 113-111, Keldon Johnson secured a crucial offensive rebound, leading to Vassell’s decisive 3-pointer, extending the lead to 116-111 with just over a minute remaining.
Injuries and Absences
Both teams faced notable absences:
- Spurs: Played without leading scorers Victor Wembanyama (blood clot in right shoulder) and De’Aaron Fox (left pinkie tendon damage).
- Pelicans: Star forward Zion Williamson was absent due to personal reasons.
Implications
The Spurs’ victory keeps them within four games of the 10th-place Dallas Mavericks, maintaining their pursuit of a play-in tournament spot with 16 regular-season games remaining.
Conversely, the Pelicans, now at 18-50, have been eliminated from postseason contention and continue to struggle with injuries and consistency.
Upcoming Games
- Spurs: Will face the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night.
- Pelicans: Set to host the Detroit Pistons on Monday.
