Spurs spoil Queen's first triple-double and hold on to beat the Pelicans 135-132

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Spurs Spoil Queen's First Triple-Double, Hold On to Beat Pelicans 135-132

The San Antonio Spurs dealt a blow to Derik Queen's milestone moment by edging out the New Orleans Pelicans 135-132 in an electrifying matchup. Rookie Dylan Harper took center stage with a go-ahead driving floater and a total of 22 points, while Harrison Barnes contributed 24 points to propel the Spurs to victory.

Pelicans' Resilience Falters

Despite trailing by as many as 20 points at halftime, the Pelicans mounted a remarkable comeback in the third quarter. Queen's first NBA triple-double, which featured 29 second-half points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, was a highlight of New Orleans' valiant effort.

Spurs Rebound from Halftime Deficit

After losing their initial 20-point lead, the Spurs staged a comeback of their own to secure the win. Harper's clutch performance culminated in a go-ahead driving floater, while De'Aaron Fox sealed the victory with two free throws in the final seconds.

Notable Performances Abound

Stephon Castle chipped in with 18 points for San Antonio, while Julian Champagnie added 17 points, including five three-pointers. Trey Murphy led the Pelicans with 32 points, but ultimately fell short due to the Spurs' late-game heroics.

Absent Stars Leave Void

The absence of Victor Wembanyama (left calf) and Zion Williamson (right hip adductor) was keenly felt by both teams, as their teammates stepped up to fill the void. Herb Jones returned from an eight-game injury absence to score 17 points for the Pelicans, while Saddiq Bey also scored 17 in a losing effort.

Third Quarter Turnaround

The Pelicans' remarkable 45-point third quarter was a testament to their resilience, transforming a 20-point deficit into a 102-100 lead heading into the final frame. However, the Spurs held on to win, with Harper's driving floater proving the decisive play.

Final Thoughts

In a game marked by moments of brilliance and frustration for both teams, the Spurs' ability to withstand the Pelicans' late surge and Harper's clutch performance ultimately proved the difference-maker. The victory marked a welcome rebound for San Antonio after a recent losing streak.

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Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.