The San Antonio Spurs delivered a thrilling 126-119 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, thanks to a stellar performance from De'Aaron Fox in his season debut. Fox, sidelined for the first eight games due to a hamstring injury, exploded for 24 points, leading a balanced Spurs attack with eight players scoring in double figures. Victor Wembanyama added a powerful 18 points and 18 rebounds, solidifying the Spurs' dominance.
Fox's Fantastic Return
Fox showed no signs of rust, quickly finding his rhythm after a shaky first quarter. He dominated the second period, going six-for-six and racking up 15 points by halftime, helping the Spurs establish a 66-58 lead. His clutch plays in the fourth quarter, including a crucial drive and two free throws, sealed the victory against a resilient Pelicans team.
"Oh, I was extremely excited," Fox exclaimed. "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."
Wembanyama's Impact
French sensation Victor Wembanyama continued to impress, showcasing his all-around game with 18 points and a dominant presence on the boards, grabbing 18 rebounds. His ability to control the paint and contribute offensively is proving crucial for the Spurs.
Pelicans' Fightback Falls Short
Despite a 41-point explosion from Trey Murphy, the Pelicans struggled without their star big man, Zion Williamson. They managed to cut a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to just three in the final minute, but Fox's late-game heroics extinguished their comeback hopes.
Lakers' Streak Snapped
In other NBA action, the Los Angeles Lakers' five-game winning streak came to an end with a disappointing loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Luka Doncic scored a game-high 22 points and dished out 11 assists, but the Lakers' sloppy play, including 20 turnovers, proved costly. The Hawks, led by Mouhamed Gueye's 21 points, capitalized on the Lakers' mistakes to secure the victory.