Pelicans (2-11), Spurs (9-3)
The last time San Antonio visited New Orleans, the Pelicans authored their most memorable regular season win in years, clinching a playoff berth on the final night of the 2014-15 regular season. Friday’s home victory over the Spurs wasn’t nearly as momentous in terms of its impact, but the Pelicans hope it could serve as a turning point for 2015-16. Showing significant urgency in pursuit of a W, New Orleans led San Antonio for most of the first three quarters, then outplayed its guests down the stretch, winning the fourth quarter 26-16 en route to a double-digit triumph. Despite the Spurs’ status as one of the NBA’s premier teams, the Pelicans improved to 4-1 against their Southwest Division rivals over the past two seasons.
IT WAS OVER WHEN…
San Antonio future Hall of Fame coach Gregg Popovich essentially conceded defeat with 2:59 left, subbing in his deep reserves after New Orleans took a 100-88 lead on an Eric Gordon three-pointer that brought the home crowd to its feet. It’s a common practice of Popovich to pull his starters late when they’ve shown they’re not going to get the job done.
PELICANS PLAYER OF THE GAME
Ryan Anderson registered his second straight game of exactly 30 points, this time scorching the nets for 12-for-21 shooting from the field and 6 of 11 accuracy from three-point range. Anderson tallied all of his 30 points from the second period on, keying New Orleans’ 82-70 advantage over the final 36 minutes. Anderson also pulled down seven rebounds in his 34 minutes.
