Pelicans Upset Spurs 104-95 Behind Zion and Bey

Pelicans Pull Off Road Upset in San Antonio

On Sunday night, the New Orleans Pelicans delivered a stunning upset against the second-place San Antonio Spurs, achieving a 104-95 victory while playing on the road. Zion Williamson and Saddiq Bey emerged as the standout players, each contributing 24 points and 10 rebounds to the team's effort. This win was particularly significant for the Pelicans, who have been grappling with injuries throughout the season.

Zion Powers the Attack

Zion appeared nearly unstoppable in the paint, consistently overpowering defenders as he drove to the basket with relentless determination. His formidable physique barreled through the Spurs’ defense with the force of a freight train. Zion recorded an impressive shooting percentage of over 55 percent from the field, complemented by 10 rebounds and a blocked shot on the defensive end. His remarkable combination of strength and agility rendered him a dominant presence that San Antonio struggled to contain.

Saddiq Bey complemented Zion's efforts, matching him shot for shot. He expertly sank jumpers from various positions on the court. Bey’s 10 rebounds contributed significantly to New Orleans' control of the boards, and he also facilitated the offense by distributing four assists to keep his teammates actively involved.

Defense Shuts Down the Spurs

The Pelicans intensified their defensive efforts during the second half, limiting San Antonio to a mere 28 points in the third quarter. Herb Jones and Yves Missi defended the rim with the intensity of sentinels at a castle. In addition to contributing nine points, Jones's defensive prowess was critical. Missi showcased his skills by securing 14 rebounds and blocking two shots, further bolstering the Pelicans' defensive strategy.

Trey Murphy III orchestrated the offense for New Orleans, achieving a commendable tally of 17 points while distributing nine assists. His adept passing opened up scoring opportunities for his teammates, enhancing the team's overall performance.

Wembanyama Can't Lift Spurs

Despite the loss, Victor Wembanyama put forth significant effort. The towering center recorded 16 rebounds and blocked four shots, using his long reach to disrupt opposing attempts throughout the game. However, Wembanyama struggled with his scoring, finishing with only 16 points due to tough shooting conditions.

De'Aaron Fox contributed 12 points and seven assists for San Antonio, while Keldon Johnson added 15 points to the scoreline. However, their efforts were insufficient to overcome the Pelicans, who built and maintained their lead during the second and third quarters, ultimately securing a vital and confidence-boosting victory.