New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy lit up the court with a career-best performance in Saturday’s game, but it wasn’t enough to secure a third consecutive win. The Pelicans fell 126-119 to the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center.
Murphy tied his career-high with 41 points, shooting an efficient 15-of-22 from the field, including 5-of-11 from three-point range. He also contributed nine rebounds. With key starters Zion Williamson (hamstring), Yves Missi (illness), and Jordan Poole (quad strain) sidelined, New Orleans leaned heavily on Murphy. He scored 16 points in the first half and added 25 in the second. One of the highlights was his impressive 38-foot buzzer-beater at the end of the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 92-85.
Rookie guard Jeremiah Fears added 18 points, while Herb Jones contributed 15. Rookie forward Derik Queen delivered a well-rounded performance off the bench with 13 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and two blocks in just 25 minutes. Queen also played the entire fourth quarter for a third consecutive game, helping the Pelicans close the gap to within one possession at 122-119 late in the contest.
Despite their efforts, all went unrewarded as the Spurs managed to hold on. San Antonio was led by De’Aaron Fox in his season debut. Fox, returning after missing the first eight games due to a hamstring injury, scored 24 points, including an impressive stretch of 13 consecutive points in the second quarter that helped build a halftime lead.
Victor Wembanyama posted a double-double with 18 points and 18 rebounds, while Devin Vassell added 16 points. Harrison Barnes chipped in 15, and Stephon Castle recorded a double-double of 14 points and 14 assists. Julian Champagnie also contributed 14 points. The Spurs maintained a 43-40 rebounding advantage over the Pelicans.
This game marked New Orleans’ second defeat to San Antonio this season, following a 120-116 overtime loss earlier in October. The Spurs, playing the second game of a home back-to-back, improved their record to 7-2. The Pelicans dropped to 2-7.
New Orleans will look to turn things around in their next game against the Phoenix Suns on Monday.
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