The New Orleans Pelicans outlasted the San Antonio Spurs, despite squandering a 20-point lead on Sunday night.
Saddiq Bey and Zion Williamson each had 24 points and 10 rebounds, and Trey Murphy added 17 points, nine assists, and six rebounds for the Pelicans.
The Spurs held a 24-5 advantage to open the fourth quarter, but New Orleans closed the game on a 17-3 run to avoid a season sweep by San Antonio.
Victor Wembanyama had 16 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks, and Keldon Johnson added 15 points as they failed to capitalize on a double-digit rally.
The Pelicans’ lead swelled to 19 points midway through the third quarter, leading the Spurs coach Mitch Johnson to sub out his entire starting lineup following a timeout.
The lineup adjustment worked as the Spurs went on a 21-4 run in the third and fourth quarters, capped by 16 straight points.
San Antonio was 19 for 32 on free throws, including missing their four final free throws with New Orleans leading 98-93.
The Spurs had their entire rotation available for the first time since Dec 29, with Devin Vassell returning from a strained left adductor. He finished with 13 points in 25 minutes.
The Pelicans closed the first half on a 19-8 run in taking a 56-47 lead.
The Wolves at Oklahoma City on Tuesday, while the Spurs at Houston on Wednesday.
