Not even one of the best performances of Trey Murphy’s career could keep the New Orleans Pelicans’ brief winning streak going Saturday night.
Fresh off back-to-back wins Tuesday and Wednesday, the Pelicans were unable to stack a third one.
The Pelicans couldn’t slow down Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, falling 126-119 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.
Murphy scored 41 points, tying his career-high. His previous high this season was 24 points, scored against these same Spurs in the Pels’ home opener. Murphy made 15 of 22 field goals Saturday, including 5 of 11 on 3-pointers. He also grabbed nine rebounds.
“It was great and we needed it from him,” Pelicans coach Willie Green said. “He scored on every level tonight. He got to the free-throw line. He got to the paint. He shot the ball well. He rebounded the ball well, something that we’ve been talking about. We can see him starting to implement it.”
Murphy drained a 38-footer at the end of the third quarter to close the deficit to 92-85. But it still wasn’t enough for the Pelicans (2-7).
The Pelicans trailed by as many as 19 points in the second quarter but managed to cut the deficit to 66-58 by halftime and kept the game close the rest of the way.
“I told the guys in the locker room that I love their fight,” Green said. “Love their ability to stick together and battle back. The Spurs are a good team. A lot of positives to take from the game.”
It was the Pelicans’ second loss to the Spurs in this young season. The Spurs won 120-116 in overtime in October.
This one was close, too. The Spurs were without Zion Williamson (hamstring), Jordan Poole (quad strain) and Yves Missi (illness). Meanwhile, San Antonio guard De’Aaron Fox played in his first game Saturday night after missing the first eight games with a hamstring injury.
“He’s another dynamic ballhandler,” Green said about Fox before the game. “He’s unselfish, and he can score on all three levels. He presents another weapon out there for those guys.”
Fox finished with 24 points to lead the Spurs (7-2). Wembanyama scored 18 points to go with 18 rebounds.
Pelicans rookie guard Jeremiah Fears scored 18 points and Herb Jones scored 15. Rookie forward Derik Queen came off the bench and finished with 13 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two blocked shots.
“We fought our tails off,” Green said. “Some key miscues down the stretch that we can clean up, that we have to clean up.”
The Pelicans play at the Phoenix Suns on Monday.