SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Saddiq Bey and Zion Williamson each had 24 points and 10 rebounds and the New Orleans Pelicans squandered a 20-point lead before rebounding to beat the San Antonio Spurs 104-95 on Sunday night.
The Spurs opened the fourth quarter with a 24-5 lead, but New Orleans closed the game with a 17-3 run to avoid a season sweep.
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Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 16 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks. Keldon Johnson scored 15 points, but the Spurs failed to mount a double-digit rally.
Midway through the third quarter, New Orleans’ lead expanded to 19 points, and Spurs coach Mitch Johnson replaced the entire starting lineup after a timeout.
The lineup change worked, as the Spurs went on a 21-4 run in the third and fourth quarters. The Spurs scored 16 straight points to end the game.
With 4:39 left in the game, Stephon Castle hit two free throws to give the Spurs a 93-89 lead.
The Spurs made 19 of 32 free throws, missing the last four free throws, and the Pelicans led 98-93.
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Trey Murphy III had 17 points, nine assists and six rebounds for New Orleans, which won its second straight game.
The Spurs used a full rotation for the first time since Dec. 29 as Devin Vassell returns from a strained left adductor muscle.
Vassell scored 13 points in 25 minutes.
At the end of the first half, New Orleans went on a 19-8 run to lead 56-47.
Next
Timberwolves: At Oklahoma City on Tuesday night.
Spurs: At Houston on Wednesday night.
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