NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The New Orleans Pelicans overcame significant odds to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 109-103, completing a two-game home series sweep on February 25, 2025. Trey Murphy III was the standout player, scoring 24 points, with Zion Williamson contributing 18 points as the Pelicans shifted momentum following their previous win over San Antonio.
After trailing by as many as 19 points early on, the Pelicans clawed their way back with tenacity. The team's performance, particularly their defensive efforts, played a pivotal role. Murphy's shooting, though not perfect—he finished 3 of 10 from beyond the arc—was instrumental to the victory. The victory didn’t come easy; the Pelicans struggled with their three-point shooting overall, hitting only 7 of 31 attempts throughout the game.
Willie Green, head coach of the Pelicans, expressed pride in his team's resilience: “Really proud of our guys; hard to beat a team two nights in a row. I thought our defense set the tone. The guys are playing for each other and you never feel you’re out of it.” This perseverance was evident as the Pelicans managed to close out the first half on a strong run, reducing the Spurs' lead to just two points, 51-49.
On the offensive end, the Spurs had initially established control of the game with strong contributions from Devin Vassell, who led the Spurs with 20 points, and De’Aaron Fox, who added 15 points and nine assists. Despite their fast start, the Spurs found themselves under pressure from the Pelicans’ intensified defense.
Fox faced challenges of his own, shooting 6-of-21, showcasing the Spurs' struggles to maintain momentum as the game progressed. Chris Paul, the legendary point guard, reached another milestone, becoming the first player to score at least 500 points and dish out 400 assists across 19 different NBA seasons; he finished the game with 12 points and 10 assists.
Looking at the game’s dynamics, the Spurs had taken control early, leading 35-16 at one point. But the Pelicans turned the tide with a 33-16 run, demonstrating their ability to execute under pressure. Murphy, who twisted his ankle late but continued to play, exemplified the determination of the New Orleans squad. The resilience paid off as they battled back to clinch the win.
Reflecting on their experiences, Vassell noted the growing pains the team is experiencing amid their season, stating, "It's definitely a learning phase. We just got to be... we can't turn the ball over as much as we did. We got to take care of the ball." This was highlighted as the Spurs struggled with turnovers during the game, causing frustration among players and coaches alike.
Mitch Johnson, assistant coach for the Spurs, addressed the team’s fragility, saying, “Our margin for error is just zero right now. Whether that's making free throws or executing plays, sometimes what can be the difference.” His comments resonate as the Spurs currently sit at 24-32 for the season, struggling to find their rhythm after several lost opportunities during their Rodeo Trip.
Despite the tough loss, the Spurs aim to recover quickly, facing the Houston Rockets next. For the Pelicans, the victory not only brings confidence but strengthens their standing as they look forward to their next game against the Phoenix Suns, which is set for February 27.
Overall, the matchup highlighted the potential of the Pelicans as they continue rising, building off their recent momentum, and addressing their opportunistic gameplay. Maintaining this positive trend will be key for their playoff aspirations. While injuries like Victor Wembanyama’s deep vein thrombosis—a significant blow for San Antonio—remind teams of the harsh realities of the season, the resilience shown by the Pelicans could become the hallmark of their 2025 campaign.
New Orleans is undoubtedly feeling the vibes of success as they prepare for what lies next, bringing hope to their fans for the remainder of the season and beyond.