Imagine a basketball game where a team blows a massive lead, only to claw their way back to victory in the final minutes—leaving fans on the edge of their seats! That's exactly what happened when the New Orleans Pelicans faced the San Antonio Spurs on January 25, 2026, in a thrilling 104-95 showdown. But here's where it gets controversial: Did the Pelicans truly dominate, or did the Spurs simply self-destruct in the clutch? Let’s dive into the details.
Saddiq Bey and Zion Williamson were the stars of the night, each delivering a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Their performance was pivotal in securing the Pelicans' win, especially after they squandered a 20-point lead. Speaking of comebacks, the Spurs opened the fourth quarter with a 24-5 surge, but New Orleans responded with a game-ending 17-3 run to avoid a season sweep. And this is the part most people miss: San Antonio's free-throw struggles (19/32, including four consecutive misses late in the game) may have cost them the win.
Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with a monster stat line of 16 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks, while Keldon Johnson chipped in 15 points. However, their efforts weren’t enough to capitalize on a stunning double-digit rally. Midway through the third quarter, with the Pelicans up by 19, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson made a bold move by benching his entire starting lineup. The strategy paid off, as San Antonio went on a 21-4 run spanning the third and fourth quarters, including 16 unanswered points.
The game’s turning point came when Stephon Castle’s free throw put the Spurs up 93-89 with 4:39 left. But the Pelicans’ resilience, coupled with the Spurs’ late-game free-throw woes, sealed San Antonio’s fate. Trey Murphy III added 17 points, nine assists, and six rebounds for New Orleans, who secured their second consecutive win.
For the Spurs, it was their first full-strength game since December 29, with Devin Vassell returning from injury to score 13 points in 25 minutes. The Pelicans ended the first half strong with a 19-8 run, taking a 56-47 lead into halftime.
Here’s the burning question: Was this a Pelicans victory or a Spurs collapse? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Up next, the Timberwolves head to Oklahoma City on Tuesday, while the Spurs visit Houston on Wednesday. Don’t miss the action!
