Imagine a basketball game where a team blows a massive lead, only to claw their way back to victory in the final minutes. 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 let the game slip away? Let’s dive in.
The Pelicans’ dynamic duo, Saddiq Bey and Zion Williamson, stole the spotlight with 24 points and 10 rebounds each. Their performance was nothing short of stellar, but the real drama unfolded in the fourth quarter. After squandering a 20-point lead, the Pelicans found themselves trailing as the Spurs opened the final quarter with a 24-5 surge. Yet, New Orleans responded with a game-changing 17-3 run, securing the win and avoiding a season sweep by San Antonio. And this is the part most people miss—the Pelicans’ resilience in the face of adversity was the difference-maker.
For the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama was a force to be reckoned with, tallying 16 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks. Keldon Johnson chipped in with 15 points, but it wasn’t enough to capitalize on their double-digit rally. Here’s a bold take: Could the Spurs’ missed free throws—13 out of 32, including four crucial ones late in the game—have cost them the win? It’s a question that’s sure to spark debate.
Midway through the third quarter, the Pelicans’ lead ballooned to 19 points, prompting Spurs coach Mitch Johnson to bench his entire starting lineup. The move paid off, as San Antonio embarked on a 21-4 run spanning the third and fourth quarters, with 16 straight points at one point. Stephon Castle’s free throw briefly gave the Spurs a 93-89 lead with 4:39 left, but the Pelicans’ late-game execution sealed their fate.
Trey Murphy III was another standout for New Orleans, contributing 17 points, nine assists, and six rebounds. The Pelicans’ victory marked their second straight win, while the Spurs, despite having their full rotation available for the first time since December 29—including Devin Vassell’s return from injury—couldn’t close the deal. Vassell managed 13 points in 25 minutes, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
The Pelicans ended the first half with a 19-8 run, taking a 56-47 lead into halftime. Looking ahead, the Timberwolves will face Oklahoma City on Tuesday night, while the Spurs head to Houston on Wednesday. Thought-provoking question: With the Spurs’ talent and the Pelicans’ inconsistency, who do you think has the brighter future? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
