Victor Wembanyama recorded 29 points, 11 rebounds, and nine blocks before fouling out, leading the San Antonio Spurs (2-0) to a 120-116 overtime victory against the New Orleans Pelicans (0-2) on Friday night.
Devin Vassell scored 23 points and hit a crucial three in overtime, while Julian Champagnie added another long-range basket to give the Spurs a 116-110 lead they would not relinquish.
Zion Williamson had 27 points and 10 rebounds for New Orleans and tied the game at 107 with 12 seconds left in regulation, but missed a free throw that could have given the Pelicans the lead.
The game remained close throughout regulation, with both teams trading baskets and defensive stops. Wembanyama missed a 15-foot fade at the buzzer to send the game into overtime, but opened the extra period with a dunk and added a critical block on Trey Murphy’s floater.
Luke Kornet contributed 14 points and 12 rebounds, helping San Antonio collect 20 offensive boards and 26 second-chance points. Stephon Castle added 16 points, including a three-pointer late in regulation. Dylan Harper scored seven of his 13 points during a decisive 14-0 fourth-quarter run that gave the Spurs a 100-94 lead.
Murphy finished with 24 points and 10 rebounds for New Orleans, while Jordan Poole added 21 points. Rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears contributed 15 and 13 points, respectively.
The first half saw both Wembanyama and Williamson score 12 points each, with New Orleans holding a 58-57 lead at the break. Williamson started the game with an emphatic drive and dunk, but Wembanyama quickly responded with consecutive blocks to assert his defensive presence.
The Spurs will host the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, while the Pelicans return home to face the Boston Celtics on Monday.
