SAN ANTONIO – November 9, 2025 – In a high‑scoring befitting of the NBA’s early pace, the San Antonio Spurs edged the New Orleans Pelicans 126‑119 at Frost Bank Center, turning what could have been a trap game into a statement victory. With this win, San Antonio improve to 7‑2, while New Orleans drop to 2‑7—raising questions about consistency for the Pelicans and reinforcing momentum for the Spurs.
Star‑Led Surge
San Antonio leaned on its elite duo to take control upfront. De’Aaron Fox, making his first game of the season, scored 24 points and showed instant rhythm despite limited prior minutes. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama roared back with 18 points, 18 rebounds and 5 blocks—his size and timing making a decisive difference defensively and offensively. In addition, rookie Stephon Castle recorded a double‑double with 14 points and 14 assists, showcasing play‑making beyond the expected.
Offensive Fireworks & Defensive Edges
The Spurs struck early and often, jumping to a lead that the Pelicans could not erase. They hit 16 fast‑break points and converted 14 second‑chance points off 15 offensive rebounds, exposing New Orleans’ depth and rotation weaknesses. The Pelicans, despite the loss, had a standout from Trey Murphy III—who exploded for 41 points—showing the firepower they possess even amid major structural issues.
What This Means Moving Forward
For San Antonio:
- The win demonstrates that even with early‑season roster adjustments, the Spurs are capable of executing under pressure and dominating through depth and star contributions.
- Wembanyama’s resurgence and Castle’s burgeoning role suggest a team trajectory aligned more with contention than rebuild.
For New Orleans:
- Despite Murray’s scoring eruption, the Pelicans’ inability to close the gap highlights concerns around bench output, defensive consistency and game‑closing experience.
- At 2‑7, the margin for error shrinks—and the club must answer immediately to avoid sliding deeper into irrelevance.
Key Takeaways
- Depth matters: The Spurs’ bench outscored New Orleans’, giving San Antonio structural advantage in minutes 8‑28.
- Transition edge: With 33 points off turnovers, the Spurs controlled tempo and capitalized on the Pelicans’ error‑prone stretches.
- High‑scoring but leaky: The Pelicans put up 119 points, yet still lost by seven—underscoring how offense alone won’t suffice without defensive balance.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just a win—it was a defining moment for the Spurs and a revealing challenge for the Pelicans. San Antonio executed with poise, depth, and impact—especially from its emerging core. New Orleans, meanwhile, has finished talent in abundance but revealed still‑unfinished business in structure, consistency, and closing power. In an early‑season marked by trends and trajectories, this game speaks volumes about each club’s posture heading into the grind of the schedule.
— Reporting for SportBuzzHub.com, November 9, 2025
