Imagine a basketball game where a team nearly throws away 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 self-destruct in the clutch? Let’s dive in.
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. Meanwhile, the Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama’s impressive 16 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks, staged a furious comeback in the fourth quarter. Wembanyama’s presence was undeniable, but it wasn’t enough to seal the deal.
San Antonio opened the fourth with a 24-5 run, seemingly taking control of the game. However, New Orleans responded with a decisive 17-3 run to close out the match, avoiding a season sweep by the Spurs. And this is the part most people miss: The Spurs’ free-throw struggles—19 for 32, including four consecutive misses in the final minutes—played a significant role in their downfall. If they had converted those opportunities, the outcome might have been very different.
Trey Murphy III added 17 points, nine assists, and six rebounds for the Pelicans, who secured their second consecutive win. For the Spurs, Keldon Johnson contributed 15 points, and Devin Vassell, returning from injury, chipped in 13 points in 25 minutes. It was the first time since December 29 that the Spurs had their full rotation available, yet they couldn’t capitalize on the momentum.
The turning point came midway through the third quarter when New Orleans’ lead ballooned to 19 points. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson made a bold move, benching his entire starting lineup after a timeout. The strategy paid off, as San Antonio went on a 21-4 run spanning the third and fourth quarters, scoring 16 straight points at one point. Stephon Castle’s free throw put the Spurs up 93-89 with 4:39 left, but the Pelicans’ late-game execution proved superior.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Did the Pelicans win this game, or did the Spurs lose it? The missed free throws and late-game decisions will surely spark debate among fans. Regardless, the Pelicans’ resilience and the Spurs’ fight made this a game to remember.
Looking ahead, the Timberwolves will face Oklahoma City on Tuesday night, while the Spurs travel to Houston on Wednesday. Both teams will be looking to bounce back, but for now, the Pelicans celebrate a hard-fought victory that kept their season alive.
What’s your take? Did the Pelicans deserve the win, or did the Spurs let it slip away? Let us know in the comments!
