Fox, Wemby Lift Spurs over Pelicans
De’Aaron Fox made a strong NBA season debut with 24 points as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 126-119 on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers’ five-game winning streak came to an end with a poor performance in Atlanta.
Fox’s Impact for the Spurs
The All-Star guard, who had missed the Spurs’ first eight games due to a hamstring injury, returned with a confident display. Fox scored 24 points, leading eight Spurs players who scored in double digits. He started a bit slow, missing his first two shots in the first quarter, but quickly found his rhythm, going six-for-six in the second quarter and putting up 15 points by halftime with the Spurs leading 66-58.
Wembanyama’s Contribution
French star Victor Wembanyama added an impressive double-double with 18 points and 18 rebounds. The Spurs managed to hold off a 41-point surge from New Orleans’ Trey Murphy, maintaining the lead throughout the game despite the Pelicans missing star big man Zion Williamson.
Crucial Moments in the Fourth Quarter
The Pelicans narrowed a 14-point deficit to just three points in the final minute. However, Fox responded by driving to the basket for a key score and then added two free throws on the Spurs’ next possession, securing the win.
“Oh, I was extremely excited,” Fox said. “Obviously I’m just like anybody, I have nerves, but coming out here, man, my teammates trust me, I trust them ... I’m just trying to help them get wins.”
Author’s summary: De’Aaron Fox’s season debut and Victor Wembanyama’s strong double-double helped the Spurs clinch a hard-fought win over the Pelicans, ending the Lakers’ winning streak elsewhere.