Pelicans Secure Victory Over Spurs Behind Physical Rebounding and Balanced Scoring

The most recent matchup between the San Antonio Spurs and the New Orleans Pelicans on January 25, 2026, concluded with a 104–95 victory for the Pelicans. This contest, held at the Frost Bank Center, showcased a significant contrast in interior presence and shooting efficiency. While the San Antonio Spurs demonstrated resilience by erasing a 20-point deficit in the second half, the New Orleans Pelicans utilized their superior rebounding and a late 17–3 run to secure the road win and avoid a season sweep.

Quick Summary of Player Stats and Game Outcome

The January 25, 2026, game was defined by the Pelicans' dominance in the paint and the Spurs' struggles from the perimeter and free-throw line.

• Final Score: New Orleans Pelicans 104, San Antonio Spurs 95.
• Leading Scorers (NOP): Saddiq Bey (24 points, 10 rebounds), Zion Williamson (24 points, 10 rebounds).
• Leading Scorer (SAS): Victor Wembanyama (16 points, 16 rebounds, 4 blocks).
• Key Statistic: The Pelicans outrebounded the Spurs 58 to 44, including 19 offensive rebounds.

New Orleans Pelicans Individual Performance Analysis

The New Orleans Pelicans relied on a balanced offensive attack and physical play in the frontcourt to overcome a late-game surge by the Spurs.

Frontcourt Dominance: Zion Williamson and Saddiq Bey

Zion Williamson and Saddiq Bey were the primary engines for the Pelicans' offense. Both players recorded double-doubles, emphasizing the team's strategy to attack the rim and crash the glass. Williamson’s 24 points were largely the result of high-percentage looks in the restricted area, where he utilized his strength to navigate through the Spurs' interior defense.

Saddiq Bey matching Williamson's scoring output provided the Pelicans with much-needed spacing and secondary rebounding. Bey’s 10 rebounds were critical in limiting the Spurs' second-chance opportunities during the periods when Victor Wembanyama was on the floor. His ability to finish through contact allowed New Orleans to maintain a steady lead through the first three quarters.

Playmaking and Perimeter Support: Trey Murphy III

Trey Murphy III played a versatile role, contributing 17 points and leading the team with 9 assists. In the absence of high-volume perimeter shooting success for the team, Murphy acted as a secondary playmaker, finding cutters and facilitating the transition offense. His 9 assists highlight an evolving part of his game, moving beyond a pure catch-and-shoot role to a more integrated offensive hub.

Bench and Rotation Contributions

Yves Missi provided a spark in the rotation, tallying 10 points and 11 rebounds. His presence allowed the Pelicans to maintain their rebounding advantage even when the starters rested. The Pelicans' depth was a factor in their ability to withstand the Spurs' 24–5 run early in the fourth quarter, as the bench provided enough defensive resistance to prevent a complete collapse.

San Antonio Spurs Individual Performance Analysis

The San Antonio Spurs struggled with shooting consistency throughout the night, despite a heroic effort from their defensive anchor and late-game adjustments from the coaching staff.

Victor Wembanyama's Defensive Presence

Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 16 points, 16 rebounds, and 4 blocks. While his rebounding and rim protection were elite, he faced significant pressure from the Pelicans' double-teams in the post. Wembanyama’s 16 boards were a team-high, but he lacked consistent support in the paint, as the Pelicans often exploited non-Wembanyama minutes or drew him away from the basket with stretch-four looks.

Backcourt Challenges: De'Aaron Fox and Devin Vassell

De'Aaron Fox recorded 7 assists but struggled with efficiency. His 1-of-4 performance from the free-throw line mirrored the team's broader struggles at the charity stripe. Fox’s ability to penetrate the Pelicans' defense was evident, but the finishing was inconsistent against the length of New Orleans' interior defenders.

Devin Vassell, returning from a strained left adductor, played 25 minutes and scored 13 points. While his return provided a boost to the Spurs' rotation, he appeared to be regaining his rhythm, missing several looks that he typically converts. Keldon Johnson contributed 15 points off the bench, serving as a primary catalyst during the Spurs' fourth-quarter rally.

Statistical Breakdown of Key Game Factors

The disparity in specific statistical categories explains how the Pelicans managed to hold off a charging Spurs team in the final minutes.

The Rebounding Margin

The most telling statistic of the game was the 58–44 rebounding advantage in favor of New Orleans. By securing 19 offensive rebounds, the Pelicans generated numerous second-chance points, which proved vital in a game where both teams struggled from three-point range. The Spurs' inability to box out effectively during critical stretches allowed the Pelicans to reset their offensive clock and drain time during their final 17–3 run.

Shooting Inefficiency and Free Throw Struggles

The Spurs shot only 39.5% from the field and a disappointing 27.3% from the three-point line. Furthermore, their performance at the free-throw line was a major hurdle; the team hit only 19 of 32 attempts (59.4%). Missing four consecutive free throws in the closing minutes, while trailing 98–93, effectively ended their chances of a comeback.

Team Comparison Table: Jan 25, 2026

Historical Context: Previous Matchups in 2025

To understand the trajectory of this rivalry, it is essential to look at the previous encounters during the 2025 calendar year, which saw several high-scoring and tightly contested games.

October 24, 2025: An Overtime Thriller

Earlier in the 2025-2026 season, the Spurs defeated the Pelicans 120–116 in an overtime game. Victor Wembanyama was the standout performer in that matchup, recording 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 blocks before fouling out in the extra period. Zion Williamson also had a dominant game with 27 points and 10 rebounds. The Spurs' ability to win in overtime was fueled by clutch three-pointers from Devin Vassell and Julian Champagnie.

November 8, 2025: De'Aaron Fox’s Debut

In another 2025 encounter, the Spurs topped the Pelicans 126–119. This game marked the season debut for De'Aaron Fox, who scored 24 points. Trey Murphy III had a career-defining performance for the Pelicans in this game, scoring 41 points on 15-for-22 shooting. Despite Murphy's scoring outburst, the Spurs' depth prevailed, with eight players scoring in double figures.

March 15, 2025: The Short-Handed Battle

In a game late in the 2024-2025 season, the Spurs beat the Pelicans 119–115. Both teams were missing their superstars; Wembanyama was out with a shoulder issue, and Williamson was absent for personal reasons. Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 22 points, while C.J. McCollum paced the Pelicans with 26 points.

Tactical Evolution of the Matchup

The series between these two teams has evolved from high-scoring shootouts in late 2025 to more defensive, physical grinds in early 2026.

1. Transition Defense: In the November 2025 game, the Spurs utilized De'Aaron Fox's speed to exploit the Pelicans in transition. By the January 2026 game, the Pelicans adjusted by slowing the tempo and focusing on crashing the offensive glass to prevent long rebounds and fast-break opportunities.
2. The "Wemby" Factor: Teams have increasingly focused on physical play to neutralize Victor Wembanyama's length. The Pelicans' use of Saddiq Bey and Zion Williamson as a tandem in the paint during the January 2026 game was a clear tactical choice to outmuscle the French center.
3. Bench Depth: The Spurs have relied heavily on a deep rotation, often seeing 7 or 8 players reach double digits. The Pelicans, however, found success by narrowing their focus to their core stars and high-energy role players like Yves Missi and Karlo Matkovic.

Impact of Injuries and Returns

Roster availability has played a significant role in the outcome of the Spurs-Pelicans series throughout 2025 and 2026.

• Devin Vassell's Health: Vassell's presence as a secondary scorer is vital for the Spurs. His absence or limited minutes (as seen in the Jan 2026 return) often forces the Spurs to rely too heavily on Wembanyama or Fox for shot creation.
• Zion Williamson's Consistency: When Williamson is healthy and aggressive, as he was in Jan 2026 and Oct 2025, the Pelicans' offensive floor is significantly higher. His ability to draw fouls and put the opposing frontcourt in foul trouble remains the Pelicans' greatest asset.
• The Fox-Wembanyama Synergy: The partnership between De'Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama is still in its early stages. Their chemistry in pick-and-roll situations showed flashes of brilliance in November 2025 but struggled against the Pelicans' switching defense in January 2026.

Summary of Recent Series Results

The rivalry remains one of the most competitive in the Western Conference, with momentum frequently shifting based on home-court advantage and individual health.

Conclusion

The January 25, 2026, game between the San Antonio Spurs and the New Orleans Pelicans serves as a testament to the importance of fundamentals: rebounding and free-throw shooting. Despite the Spurs' tactical adjustments and a significant fourth-quarter rally, the Pelicans' physical dominance on the boards and the scoring duo of Zion Williamson and Saddiq Bey proved too much to overcome. As the 2025-2026 season progresses, both teams will need to address their respective inconsistencies—the Spurs with their perimeter shooting and the Pelicans with their ability to maintain large leads—if they hope to contend in a crowded Western Conference playoff race.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of the Spurs vs. Pelicans game on January 25, 2026?

The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the San Antonio Spurs with a final score of 104–95.

Who were the top scorers for the Pelicans in the Jan 26, 2026 matchup?

Saddiq Bey and Zion Williamson both scored 24 points and recorded 10 rebounds each.

How did Victor Wembanyama perform in the latest game against the Pelicans?

Victor Wembanyama recorded a double-double with 16 points and 16 rebounds, while also contributing 4 blocks.

Why did the Spurs lose to the Pelicans despite a 20-point comeback?

The Spurs struggled with efficiency, shooting 27.3% from the three-point line and only 59.4% from the free-throw line. Additionally, the Pelicans outrebounded the Spurs by 14 boards.

What is the recent head-to-head record between these two teams?

In their last four meetings spanning from March 2025 to January 2026, the Spurs have won three games, while the Pelicans won the most recent encounter in January 2026.