SAN ANTONIO, TX — The New Orleans Pelicans, led by CJ McCollum’s 29 points and Brandon Ingram’s 26, soared to a historic 146-110 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, setting a new franchise record with an astonishing 22 3-pointers. The win highlighted the Pelicans’ potent offense and marked a disappointing continuation of heavy losses for the Spurs.
The Spurs, under the helm of legendary coach Gregg Popovich, suffered their fourth defeat this season by 36 or more points, echoing a similar pattern from last season. Popovich acknowledged the Pelicans’ exceptional performance, stating, “They had a great night shooting. We couldn’t throw it in the ocean. But on top of shooting well, they played very well. We weren’t as sharp as we needed to be and got whooped, real good.”
For San Antonio, rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama was a bright spot amid the team’s struggles. Wembanyama recorded his eighth consecutive double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds, surpassing Dwight Howard’s NBA record for a teenager set in 2005. His performance shone even brighter in the presence of his idol and mentor, former San Antonio All-Star Tony Parker, who was honored at halftime with a Hall of Fame designation on his retired jersey.
Despite Wembanyama’s efforts, the Pelicans’ relentless attack, particularly from beyond the arc, was too much for the Spurs. New Orleans was an impressive 22 for 42 on 3-point attempts, showcasing their offensive depth and efficiency.
The win marks the Pelicans’ fourth consecutive victory following a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the semifinals of the In-Season Tournament. Zion Williamson, who contributed 15 points to the victory, emphasized the team’s focus, saying, “We’re winning. Winning cures everything.”
In contrast, the Spurs, who recently ended a franchise-record 18-game losing streak with a win over the Lakers, continue to struggle. With a record of 4-20, they sit at the bottom of the Western Conference, reflecting the challenges of a young and rebuilding team. Wembanyama, the team’s youngest player, stressed the importance of consistency, stating, “It might explain it, but it doesn’t mean it’s OK. We’re not trying to find any excuses.”
The Pelicans’ victory was a testament to their balanced attack and sharp shooting. Coach Willie Green praised his team’s focus, particularly on defense, as a key to their success.
As both teams look ahead, the Pelicans are set to host Memphis on Tuesday, while the Spurs face a tough challenge against Milwaukee. The contrasting fortunes of the two teams were starkly evident in this high-scoring affair, with the Pelicans asserting their dominance and the Spurs searching for answers to their ongoing struggles.
