NBA Recap: Spurs Defeats Pelicans 101-95
Tony Parker recorded 27 points and 7 assists, and Tim Duncan added 18 markers as the San Antonio Spur grinded out a 101-95 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday at New Orleans Arena in New Orleans Louisiana.
The Spurs Big 3 continued to rack up victories despite their advanced age, and this time, their victims were the young and talented Pelicans. Parker was once again masterful facilitating the offense, while Duncan were still bullying in the middle.
However, the Spurs got a much needed spark from Marco Bellineli, who contributed 12 points and hit two of his four three-pointers in the game. San Antonio's young gun Kawhi Leonard tallied only 13 points, but his presence on the defensive end of the floor was immense.
Meanwhile, second-year power forward Anthony Davis recorded 22 points and 11 rebounds, and Brian Roberts had 19 points to lead the charge for the Pelicans, who dropped to 15-22 in the season.
Austin Rivers, who is also playing in his second year in the league, had a solid night with 11 points and 5 assists, but his effort was not enough to stop the bleeding.
ESPN Stats Info: Spurs vs. Pelicans
MVP: Tony Parker kept the shorthanded Spurs in the game for the first three quarters and hit the big shots that they needed to win it in the fourth. Parker scored 27 points on just 15 shots and saved the best for last, shooting a layup over Anthony Daviss outstretched arms to seal the win.
X factor: Kawhi Leonard only took six shots, but he had as big of an impact as any Spur because of his play on the defensive end. After Eric Gordon scored nine quick points in the first quarter, Gregg Popovich put Leonard on Gordon to slow him down. Gordon finished the game with just 12 points on 4-for-14 shooting.