Spurs blitz Pelicans early, seize 77–57 midgame lead in New Orleans
I am courtside in New Orleans, and the San Antonio Spurs are putting their foot down. San Antonio leads New Orleans 77–57 in a game that has tilted from the opening tip. The Spurs are hunting a sharp rebound after a recent loss, and they are playing like a team that wants a top shelf seed and NBA Cup momentum right now.
Spurs hit the throttle, Pelicans stuck in neutral
San Antonio came out swinging. Ball movement was crisp, the pace was controlled, and the spacing was clean. The Spurs pushed the Pelicans into long closeouts, then punished every late rotation with corner threes and straight line drives. The lead swelled fast and never felt fragile.
Defensively, the Spurs crowded the arc and walled off the paint. They showed two on the ball, then scrambled with purpose. New Orleans struggled to create easy looks, and second chance points were scarce. That is what a connected road defense looks like.
The gut check for San Antonio came in the second quarter when New Orleans tried to speed the game up. The Spurs answered with poise. They ran half court sets, kept the ball hopping, and squeezed the tempo when needed. It was a clinic in control.
Depth carries San Antonio while Wemby waits
The biggest development before tip was the green light for rookie guard Stephon Castle. He checked in and gave San Antonio a jolt with tough on ball defense and north south pressure. His minutes mattered. They changed the tone at the point of attack, and they gave the wings confidence to jump passing lanes.
Luke Kornet also gave sturdy spot minutes, screening with force and protecting the rim. His size let the Spurs stay big without forcing heavy minutes on the front line.
Stephon Castle has been cleared to play, and he made an early impact with defense, pace, and energy.
Victor Wembanyama is back in practice, and he remains day to day. The Spurs are choosing long term health over short term drama. The group on the floor is holding the line and then some, which is exactly what you want in Cup season.
Wembanyama’s return timeline is tied to how his calf responds in practice, and the Spurs are managing his load with care.
Pelicans shorthanded, and the cracks keep showing
This is a rough stretch for the Pelicans. Zion Williamson is out with a Grade 2 adductor strain. Dejounte Murray, Jordan Poole, and Herbert Jones are also out or limited. That removes shot creation, length at the point of attack, and the team’s best wing stopper. The holes are obvious on both ends.
New Orleans is in a six game slide, and you can see the strain in late game habits. Tonight, the breakdowns started early. Missed box outs fed San Antonio’s confidence. Point of attack defense leaked, and the back line was slow to cover. The crowd at Smoothie King Center is loyal, but the groans grow louder with each empty trip. This city cares, and the team feels that weight.
What can change fast for the Pelicans
- Cleaner transition defense, stop the early runouts
- Stronger glass work by committee, five to the rim
- More drives to draw fouls, slow San Antonio’s rhythm
- Simplify sets, cut the turnovers and hunt best matchups
Stakes, Cup math, and why this game matters
San Antonio came in 15–7, winners of seven of their last ten. New Orleans entered 3–21, searching for answers and healthy bodies. The Spurs have already taken the first two meetings this season, and that tie breaker matters in the West. It matters in Cup play as well, where point margin and form can tip the bracket.
The Spurs are heavy favorites in the market for good reason. This roster understands its identity, even without Wembanyama. They defend, they share, and they trust the bench. With Castle back and Kornet steady, Gregg Popovich can spread minutes and protect legs for the Cup quarterfinal ahead. That is savvy roster management, not just a hot night.
For New Orleans, the checklist is simple. Get healthy, firm up the defense, and find stability at guard. Until then, every night requires perfect effort and a little luck. The margin for error is tiny in this league.
Live numbers to watch
The pace is brisk, and the total is tracking high. San Antonio’s assist count is the tell of the night. When the ball moves, the rim opens and the threes fall. On the other side, watch Pelicans free throws. If they do not get to the line, the Spurs will run them out of the gym.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the score right now?
A: The Spurs lead the Pelicans 77–57 midgame at Smoothie King Center.
Q: Is Victor Wembanyama playing tonight?
A: No. He has returned to practice and is day to day as the team manages his calf.
Q: Did Stephon Castle return?
A: Yes. He was cleared and has given San Antonio on ball defense and pace in his minutes.
Q: Why are the Pelicans struggling?
A: Injuries to key players, plus defensive lapses and rebounding issues, have hurt them during a long skid.
Q: What does this mean for the NBA Cup?
A: The Spurs are sharpening rotation choices and protecting legs, which sets them up well for Cup play and West seeding.
The bottom line, the Spurs arrived ready, deep, and disciplined, and they are playing like a team with big plans. If New Orleans cannot slow the ball and win the glass, this will stay out of reach. San Antonio’s depth is doing the heavy lifting tonight, and the West is on notice. 🏀
