Despite a triple double from their interior ‘rookie’, Derik Queen, 20 years old, the Pelicans were unable to achieve their return to the scoreboard while trailing by 20 points. Still without Frenchman Victor Wembanyama, but whose return seems to be taking shape, the San Antonio Spurs scared themselves a little, finally winning 132-135 after leading 77-57. Queen, author of a particularly remarkable second half, finished with 29 points (including 21 in the third act), validating the first triple-double of his young career (33 points on 11 of 15 shooting and 11 of 13 on free throws, 10 rebounds and 10 assists). Only five players in NBA history have managed to validate a triple-double of at least 30 points in the NBA before turning 21: Derik Queen, LeBron James, De’Aaron Fox, Luka Doncic and Victor Wembanyama. Harrison Barnes (24 points) and Dylan Harper (22 points at 10 out of 16, 6 assists, coming off the bench) however allowed San Antonio to snatch a 16th victory this season against the red lantern in the East.
In the West, Sacramento Kings, last in the standings, lost 116 to 105 to Indiana Pacers, deprived of their captain of the German national team, Dennis Schröder, still injured in the hip. Andrew Nembhard did the job for Indiana with a double-double (28 points and 12 rebounds). Phoenix also won on the road 105-108 in Minnesota with 22 units and 7 rebounds for Mark Williams. Anthony Edwards’ 40 points (9 rebounds) were not enough for the Timberwolves who saw their streak of 5 consecutive victories come to an end.
