In New Orleans, San Antonio had to fight to overcome the Pelicans (135-132), despite having the worst record in the league. Still deprived of Victor Wembanyama, absent for an eleventh consecutive match due to a left calf injury, the Spurs were able to count on Harrison Barnes (24 points) and replacement leader Dylan Harper (22 points).
The latter distinguished himself with a decisive lay-up nine seconds from time. “At the start of the season, I was hesitant a lot, but today I’m taking more responsibility. In this kind of situation, I will attack the basket without thinking,” confided Harper.
On the Pelicans side, Derik Queen shone with an impressive triple-double (33 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists), without however avoiding a seventh consecutive loss for his team. He missed a crucial shot with 3.8 seconds remaining, before Saddiq Bey also missed a three-pointer at the buzzer.
Returning after three weeks of absence with a hip injury, Stephon Castle contributed to San Antonio’s success with 18 points, five rebounds and five assists.
After the first quarter of the regular season, the Spurs are in fifth place in the Western Conference.
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