Spurs spoil Queen's first triple-double and hold on to beat the Pelicans 135-132

Spurs Spoil Queen's First Triple-Double and Hold On to Beat the Pelicans 135-132 in a High-Octane Thriller

If you weren't on the edge of your seat watching the final moments unfold at the AT&T Center, you missed one of the season's most chaotic and dramatic finishes. In a game defined by relentless offense and defensive miscues, the San Antonio Spurs managed to cling desperately to a narrow lead, ultimately defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 135-132.

The headline speaks volumes about the conflicting narratives of the night. While the Spurs secured a crucial victory for their playoff push, the conversation quickly pivoted to Pelicans' rising star, affectionately nicknamed "Queen," who delivered a historic individual performance. Queen recorded her first career triple-double—a phenomenal 40 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists—only to see her efforts negated by the agonizing three-point defeat. It was a classic clash of team resilience versus superstar transcendence, and on this night, the collective effort prevailed, albeit barely.

The energy in the arena felt less like a regular-season contest and more like a pivotal Game 7. From the opening tip, both teams traded blows, pushing the pace and rarely settling for contested shots. This high-scoring affair was a testament to modern NBA dynamics, but it was the final 90 seconds that truly tested the mental fortitude of both rosters.

Clutch Shots and Defensive Stands: How the Spurs Held Off the Surge

The fourth quarter was a masterclass in pressure basketball. The Pelicans, fueled by Queen's unrelenting attack, erased a 10-point deficit in the span of just four minutes. Every time the Spurs looked ready to pull away, Queen responded with a dagger three-pointer or a pinpoint assist, bringing the score within a single possession.

With 45 seconds left on the clock, the score stood 133-132. The noise level was deafening. The Spurs possession was tense; a missed mid-range jumper by Keldon Johnson was followed by a crucial offensive rebound from Jakob Poeltl, who drew a foul and sank both free throws, extending the lead to 135-132. These two points were arguably the biggest difference-makers in the entire contest, highlighting the importance of the often-overlooked hustle stats.

The final Pelicans possession was marred by chaos. Coach Green drew up a play for a quick three-point look, but the Spurs' perimeter defense, tightened significantly after earlier lapses, forced a difficult cross-court pass. The ball was tipped, recovered, and eventually led to a desperation heave from beyond the arc that clanked harmlessly off the rim as the buzzer sounded. It was a frantic, nerve-wracking finish that encapsulated the sheer will required to win in the Western Conference.

Key moments that defined the Spurs' narrow victory:

• Poeltl's crucial offensive rebound and subsequent free throws (2 points, 1:05 remaining).
• Devin Vassell hitting three consecutive three-pointers in the early fourth quarter to maintain separation.
• A critical charge taken by Josh Richardson on Queen with just over two minutes remaining, temporarily disrupting the Pelicans' momentum.
• The team converting 90% of their free throws in the second half, proving efficiency in high-pressure situations.

The team's veteran leadership, particularly from players like Doug McDermott and the steady presence of Dejounte Murray (who nearly notched a triple-double of his own), ensured they maintained their composure despite the intense pressure exerted by the Pelicans' star player. This win was a significant boost to the Spurs' morale as they continue their pursuit of a highly contested play-in tournament spot.

Queen's Court: Historic Triple-Double Overshadowed by Defeat

The true standout narrative of the evening, despite the loss, was the phenomenal performance by the Pelicans' guard, Queen. At just 21 years old, she demonstrated a maturity and killer instinct rarely seen in players her age. Her stat line—40 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists—was a statistical masterpiece, representing her first official career triple-double and setting a new franchise record for the youngest player to achieve this feat while scoring 40 or more points.

Watching Queen operate was mesmerizing. She was effective from all three levels, utilizing a devastating step-back jump shot that left defenders guessing. Her court vision was equally impressive; she consistently found cutting teammates when the Spurs defense collapsed on her drives. It was a truly historic achievement that unfortunately carried the bitter taste of defeat.

The tragedy for Queen and the Pelicans lay in the unsustainable workload she carried. While the supporting cast had moments of brilliance—such as Ingram's 25 points—too many possessions late in the game devolved into isolation plays for Queen, often out of necessity. The energy she expended carrying the offensive load visibly impacted her defense in the final minutes, allowing the Spurs just enough space to execute their offensive sets.

Fans and analysts alike are already calling this game a major turning point in Queen's career development. To put up those numbers against a desperate playoff contender, on the road, speaks volumes about her ceiling. The challenge now for the Pelicans' organization is simple: how do they build a roster around this generational talent to convert these heroic individual efforts into consistent team wins?

Analyzing Queen's scoring breakdown:

• 15 points scored in the fourth quarter alone, forcing a major defensive adjustment from the Spurs.
• 7-of-12 shooting from beyond the arc (a highly efficient night for a high-volume shooter).
• 4 assists specifically targeting Jonas Valančiūnas for easy layups or fouls.
• 0 turnovers in the first half, demonstrating elite ball security under pressure.

Even Spurs coach Gregg Popovich offered high praise post-game, acknowledging the difficulty in defending such a dynamic scorer. "We threw three different looks at her in the second half," Popovich stated. "Zone, man, trapping the pick-and-roll. She had an answer for everything. That's a special talent."

The Victorious Response: Balanced Scoring Secures the Win

In contrast to the Pelicans' star-heavy performance, the Spurs win was a classic case study in balanced attack and depth. San Antonio utilized a seven-man rotation that all contributed double-digit scoring, effectively neutralizing the massive single-player output of Queen.

San Antonio's victory was a triumph of the system. They moved the ball constantly, racking up 32 team assists and exploiting mismatches created by the Pelicans' focus on perimeter defense. While Murray provided the steady playmaking and scoring punch (28 points, 9 assists), the efforts of the role players proved invaluable.

The Spurs bench depth provided the necessary resilience to withstand the Pelicans' comeback attempt. Josh Richardson, off the bench, scored 19 critical points, often stepping up when the starters needed a breather. This reliable bench production is a key metric for a team fighting for positioning in the crowded Western Conference standings.

The primary offensive engine for San Antonio was their blistering fast-break offense. They capitalized on 18 points off turnovers and maintained a relentless pace that eventually tired out the Pelicans' primary ball handlers. This consistent push was critical in a game where both teams shot above 50% from the field.

The final box score confirms the balanced nature of the Spurs' triumph:

• Dejounte Murray: 28 Pts, 9 Ast, 6 Reb (Leading scorer and primary playmaker).
• Keldon Johnson: 24 Pts, 7 Reb (Energy and relentless driving).
• Jakob Poeltl: 14 Pts, 12 Reb, 3 Blk (Crucial interior defense and rebounding).
• Devin Vassell: 21 Pts (A perfect 5-of-5 from three-point range).

Ultimately, the Spurs showed maturity in the waning moments. They avoided panic when the lead evaporated and relied on sound offensive execution rather than hero ball. The victory showcased that while individual brilliance (like Queen's historic night) can dominate headlines, consistent, balanced team performance is what truly secures wins in the demanding landscape of the NBA.

This thrilling 135-132 victory gives the Spurs essential momentum as they look ahead to a critical stretch of divisional games. For the Pelicans, the game serves as a painful reminder that even career nights can fall short if the collective effort isn't sustainable. Queen delivered an unforgettable performance, but the Spurs delivered the victory, proving once again that in the NBA, spoiling the party is often the best strategy.

Spurs spoil Queen's first triple-double and hold on to beat the Pelicans 135-132

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