Pelicans Rally Late to Defeat Spurs in Thriller

New Orleans overcomes 20-point deficit to win 104-95 in back-and-forth battle

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:11am

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A cubist-style painting depicting the basketball game between the New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs, with the players' movements and the energy of the game captured through sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes.The Pelicans' dramatic comeback victory over the Spurs showcased the team's resilience and the intensity of the high-stakes NBA matchup.New Orleans Today

The New Orleans Pelicans overcame a massive 20-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 104-95 in a thrilling NBA matchup on January 25, 2026. The Pelicans' dynamic duo of Saddiq Bey and Zion Williamson led the way with 24 points and 10 rebounds each, while the Spurs' Victor Wembanyama recorded an impressive 16-point, 16-rebound, 4-block performance. The game featured a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback by the Pelicans, who responded to the Spurs' 24-5 run with a 17-3 surge of their own to seal the victory.

Why it matters

This game showcased the Pelicans' resilience and ability to overcome adversity, as they refused to let a massive lead slip away. The Spurs' missed free throws late in the game also raised questions about their ability to close out games, despite their talented roster. The outcome of this matchup could have implications for the playoff race in the Western Conference.

The details

The Pelicans led by as many as 19 points midway through the third quarter, but the Spurs stormed back with a 21-4 run spanning the third and fourth quarters, taking a 93-89 lead with 4:39 remaining. However, the Pelicans responded with a 17-3 run to secure the victory. Trey Murphy III also had a standout performance for New Orleans, contributing 17 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds.

  • The Pelicans led by 19 points midway through the third quarter.
  • The Spurs went on a 21-4 run spanning the third and fourth quarters to take a 93-89 lead with 4:39 left in the game.
  • The Pelicans then responded with a 17-3 run to seal the 104-95 victory.

The players

Saddiq Bey

A key member of the Pelicans' dynamic duo, Bey scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the game.

Zion Williamson

Williamson, the other half of the Pelicans' dynamic duo, also scored 24 points and had 10 rebounds.

Victor Wembanyama

The Spurs' star player, Wembanyama recorded a double-double with 16 points, 16 rebounds, and 4 blocks.

Keldon Johnson

Johnson contributed 15 points for the Spurs in the losing effort.

Trey Murphy III

Murphy III had a standout performance for the Pelicans, scoring 17 points, dishing out 9 assists, and grabbing 6 rebounds.

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What they’re saying

“We must give credit to the Pelicans for their resilience and ability to fight back. They showed true grit in the face of adversity.”

— Mitch Johnson, Spurs Head Coach

“Our missed free throws at the end really hurt us. We had our chances to win this game, but just couldn't capitalize.”

— Keldon Johnson, Spurs Forward

What’s next

The Pelicans will look to build on this momentum as they continue their playoff push, while the Spurs will aim to rebound from this tough loss and solidify their position in the Western Conference standings.

The takeaway

This game showcased the Pelicans' resilience and ability to overcome adversity, as well as the Spurs' struggles to close out games despite their talented roster. The outcome of this matchup could have significant implications for the playoff race in the Western Conference.