De’Aaron Fox scored 24 points in his season debut, while Victor Wembanyama added 18 points and 18 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 126-119 on Saturday night at Frost Bank Center.
Stephon Castle contributed 14 points and 14 assists, and eight Spurs players scored in double figures to secure the team’s second straight win after back-to-back losses following a 5-0 start.
Trey Murphy III led New Orleans with 41 points on 15-of-22 shooting, including five 3-pointers. Murphy hit a 31-foot shot at the end of the third quarter to excite the crowd, but the Pelicans couldn’t overcome San Antonio’s depth.
Fox, returning from offseason surgery on his left pinky and a hamstring injury, sparked a 13-point personal run in the second quarter to break a 32-all tie. He went 5-for-5 during that stretch, including two three-pointers, helping the Spurs build a lead they never relinquished.
The Spurs dominated early, holding the Pelicans to a season-low 22 points in the opening quarter. Wembanyama controlled the boards and added defensive presence, while Castle orchestrated the offense with 14 assists.
New Orleans was short-handed, missing Zion Williamson, Jordan Poole, and Yves Missi. Rookie Jeremiah Fears added 18 points and Herb Jones contributed 15, but the team could not contain San Antonio’s balanced scoring attack.
San Antonio improved to 7-2, while the Pelicans fell to 2-7. The Spurs showcased strong chemistry with Fox and Wembanyama playing together for only the sixth time since the point guard’s February acquisition.
The win sets up Monday matchups, with San Antonio hosting Orlando and New Orleans visiting Phoenix.
