The reception of Spurs diminished, and dead last in the West, was a great opportunity for the Pelicans to relaunch after three defeats in a row. Except that the absence of Zion Williamson was added to that of Brandon Ingram and, although without Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson or even Jeremy Sochan, the teammates of Victor Wembanyama (17 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 blocks) leave Louisiana with the victory (111-109). Despite CJ McCollum (31 points) and Jonas Valanciunas (26 points, 7 assists, 7 rebounds), helpless in front of the Texan collective (seven players with more than 10 points).
A “Wemby” with two faces and one half each
Thanks in particular to this famous McCollum/Valanciunas duo, and the clumsiness in shooting San Antoniothings are starting well for New Orleans, ahead by around ten points in the first quarter (27-18), despite losing the ball and without being punished by a Victor Wembanyama well muzzled by Herb Jones, who gave him no less than twenty centimeters. This is confirmed in the second act, where nothing changes in the score (61-51), CJ McCollum and Jonas Valanciunas continuing to lead the charge on the Pelicans side, in response to 3-pointers from Spurs and Malaki Branham, Julian Champagnie and Devonte 'Graham.
“Wemby” is struggling and only has 2 points, 0/6 shooting, in 15 minutes (but with 5 rebounds and 5 assists). Largely the consequence of NOLA's good defensive strategy.
After the break, the shift takes place because, on the one hand, CJ McCollum goes down in temperature and, on the other hand, Victor Wembanyama (finally) gets going, receiving help from Devonte' Graham, Tre Jones and Sandro Mamukelashvili. 3-pointers rain down on New Orleans and Trey Murphy III tries hard to keep his teammates afloat, but nothing helps and San Antonio picks up (86-86). The fourth quarter is then balanced and each team goes blow for blow, until “Wemby” stands out at 3-points, in the block on Herb Jones, in the interception on this same Jones and in the throws -francs, to pocket the victory (111-109).
TO REMEMBER
– Victor Wembanyama influences differently. Well hampered by Dyson Daniels but especially Herb Jones, whom Gregg Popovich likes to compare to “the plague” in defense, Victor Wembanyama was not as productive as usual in scoring. The fault of regular two-handed takes, in addition to the excellent work done by Jones. Except that “Wemby”, more inspired after the break (15 of his 17 points), compensated for all this by being more involved in creation, to flirt with his third career triple-double. Proving, as a bonus, decisive in defense with a counter on a certain… Herb Jones with 12 seconds remaining.
– New Orleans collapses at the worst time. Double collapse of the Pelicans: this evening against the Spurs, since they wasted a 15-point lead in the second half, and in the standings in the West, since they remain 7th after being close to 4th place for the Clippers ago two weeks ago. Without Zion Williamson or Brandon Ingram, life is obviously more difficult for Willie Green's men, certainly carried by CJ McCollum and Jonas Valanciunas, but limited in execution to find easy 3-points, take care of the ball or show off effective in fast play. Annoying, while Kings, Lakers and even Warriors are pushing behind.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
