Zion Williamson's Game-Winning Layup Lifts New Orleans Pelicans Over The San Antonio Spurs

New Orleans notches their first victory of the season in a game decided by three points or less.

On Friday night, the Pelicans exercised their late-game demons with a 114-113 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. It was their win first of the year in a game decided by three points or less. New Orleans was previously 0-6 in this scenario.  

The night's hero was forward Zion Williamson, who returned from injury after missing Wednesday's game versus the Houston Rockets. New Orleans played without Herb Jones and Larry Nance, Jr. because of injury.

Williamson's return to the lineup didn't immediately spark the Pelicans' offense.  

The Pelicans started the game slowly, scoring 24 points in the opening quarter. Fueled by the home crowd, the Spurs shot 55% from the field in the opening period.  

San Antonio had 11 assists on 15 made baskets and had five blocks on the defensive end. The Spurs took a 33-24 advantage into the second quarter.

Feb 2, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) drives to the basket while defended by San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

With a combination of backdoor cuts and hard drives, the Spurs managed 38 points in the back in the first 24 minutes. The deficit was seven at the half for New Orleans, who were looking for answers on defense.

Coach Willie Green made a key adjustment in the third quarter to slow the Spurs' attack. He inserted Dyson Daniels and Jose Alvarado into the game to make their defensive presence felt.  

With a defensive-minded lineup, the Pelicans gave up just 23 points in the quarter and forced five turnovers. Brandon Ingram provided the offensive spark, leading the Pels with 19 points heading into the final period. The ballgame was tied at 88 after three quarters.

It was a nailbiter down the stretch, with the Spurs grabbing a one-point lead late in the game with a chance to put it away. The Pelicans made an excellent defensive play at the bucket, and Ingram smartly knocked the ball off the glass to spark a Pels fast break.  

Williamson took the ball at around half-court and went coast to coast for the game-winning layup with under three seconds left. San Antonio's final attempt clanked off the iron to secure the Pels' victory.

Despite losing the rebounding battle and shooting just 7/26 from the field, the victory moves New Orleans to seven games above .500. Williamson finished with a game-high 33 points and eight rebounds.  

The Pelicans bench was sparked by Alvarado, who scored eight points, all in the second half. Devin Vassell scored 28 points to lead the Spurs in defeat. Rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama scored 16 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. New Orleans returned home on Monday to face the Toronto Raptors.