After New Orleans called a timeout down 14-13 with 6:28 left in the first, the Pelicans came alive and ended up beating the San Antonio Spurs by a score of 119-84.
That initial timeout from head coach Willie Green led to a 10-0 run. From there, the Pelicans held a steady lead for the remainder of the game as five players finished in double-digit scoring. Brandon Ingram led the way with 32 points, seven assists, and four rebounds.
Jonas Valanciunas led the way with 19 points and 15 rebounds for his 37th double-double of the season.
“It doesn’t matter who we play. We have to continue to build our execution to be at a certain level, to be at a certain standard,” Green told reporters afterward. “Our defense, our communication on the defensive end, and rebounding the ball – these were all things that build your confidence going into the next game no matter who touches the floor. I thought we were solid in that area tonight.”
New Orleans held San Antonio to under 35% from the floor while shooting an exceptional 56%. Alongside Ingram’s big night, Jonas Valanciunas had 19 points and 15 rebounds for his 37th double-double of the season. Sandro Mamukelashvili added 20 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
Former Spur Josh Richardson notched 10 points, three rebounds, and two assists, while former Pelican Devonte’ Graham had 15 points, two rebounds, and one assists for struggling San Antonio (19-53).
The win earned New Orleans (35-37) consecutive victories for the first time since early February and keeps the team in striking distance of the last play-in spot. Next up will be a Tuesday night home matchup against the Charlotte Hornets (23-50) at 7 p.m. CT.
