NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Victor Wembanyama delivered a spectacular performance with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and nine blocks before fouling out in overtime, helping the San Antonio Spurs hold on for a 120-116 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night.
Devin Vassell contributed 23 points, including a crucial three-pointer in overtime. Shortly after, Julian Champagnie added another deep three to extend the Spurs’ lead to 116-110, a margin the Pelicans couldn’t overcome.
Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 27 points and 10 rebounds. He made a free throw to tie the game at 107 with 12 seconds left in regulation but missed a chance to take the lead. The game went into overtime after Wembanyama, tightly guarded by Williamson, missed a 15-foot fadeaway as time expired.
The overtime period began with a thrilling dunk from Wembanyama, and he also recorded his final block by swatting away Trey Murphy’s floater. Luke Kornet added a solid performance for San Antonio, scoring 14 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, including nine offensive boards that fueled the Spurs’ 20 offensive rebounds and 26 second-chance points.
Stephon Castle chipped in 16 points for the Spurs, hitting a key three-pointer with 19.8 seconds left in regulation. Dylan Harper scored seven of his 13 points during a pivotal 14-0 run in the fourth quarter that gave San Antonio a 100-94 advantage.
On the Pelicans’ side, Murphy finished with 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Jordan Poole added 21 points. Rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears also contributed 15 and 13 points, respectively.
The game’s opening possession saw Williamson get the better of Wembanyama with an explosive drive to the basket, culminating in a roundhouse dunk while being fouled by the French star. However, Wembanyama quickly responded by blocking two consecutive layup attempts from Williamson.
Both Williamson and Wembanyama scored 12 points in the first half, which ended with New Orleans leading 58-57.
**Up next:**
– Spurs: Host the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday.
– Pelicans: Host the Boston Celtics on Monday night.
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**AP NBA**
https://wtop.com/sports/2025/10/wembanyama-has-29-points-11-rebounds-and-9-blocks-to-lead-spurs-past-pelicans-120-116-in-ot/