Devin Vassell helped power the Spurs to the win (Photo via X)
The San Antonio Spurs improved to 28-38 on the season after a 119-115 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. With the loss, the Pelicans dropped to a record of 18-50.
The Spurs were trailing by seven points in the third quarter before a 17-0 run gave San Antonio a double-digit advantage. The Pelicans made a few runs in the fourth quarter but the good guys never trailed again.
Overall, it was an interesting game because neither team looked too interested in winning. It’s the point in the season where some teams prioritize draft positioning — and that could have been the case in this contest.
Stats: Spurs vs. Pelicans
spurs pelicans grades
Spurs vs. Pelicans – Final Grades
Devin Vassell
The good: Vassell was 4-for-9 on three-points and went to the line seven times, hitting six of his free throw attempts. His defense was better than average and he didn’t turn the ball over in his 36 minutes. The bad: Vassell was 2-for-8 from two-point range. A couple of his attempts were questionable, especially because his playmaking was so underwhelming. One assist accurately tells the tale of his passing against the Pelicans.
Grade: B
Stephon Castle
Offensively, Castle’s decision-making needed to be faster. He made good passes — he was just delivering late a lot of the game. Scoring-wise, Castle used his physicality to finish the game 7-for-8 from the line. Unfortunately, he was 0-for-5 from three-point range and only hit half of his ten two-point attempts. Castle also turned it over three times. Defensively, the rookie didn’t do much. His effort level on that end was minimal.
Grade: C-
Chris Paul
Paul missed all three of his three-point attempts but connected on his two attempts inside the arc. The veteran point guard’s playmaking was a plus, as he totaled six assists and no turnovers in 22 minutes. On defense, Paul hustled a few times but he was a liability during most possessions.
Grade: C+
Harrison Barnes
Barnes brought some much-needed efficiency to the starting lineup. He was 3-for-6 from downtown, 3-for-3 from two-point range and 4-for-4 at the charity stripe. His 19 points in 27 minutes were important and his teammates sought him out during important moments. Defensively, Barnes wasn’t great but his effort was commendable.
Grade: B+
Bismack Biyombo
Biyombo failed to move the needle during his 12 minutes on the court. Biyombo didn’t get much done defensively. Offensively, the starting center didn’t help the cause to a noteworthy degree.
Grade: C
Jeremy Sochan
Good stuff from Sochan. He was 6-for-8 from the field, including a buzzer-beating halfcourt heave. His passing was better than usual, although he was also sloppier with the ball than normal. Defensively, Sochan was really solid. The Spurs looked their best on that end when he was directly involved in the action.
Grade: B+
Keldon Johnson
Johnson’s post All-Star break surge continues. He looked like the most competent offensive weapon on the team. He totaled 19 points off the bench and shot well from all distances. Utilizing a mix of touch, toughness and talent, Johnson produced when the Spurs leaned on him. During that key third quarter run, he’s the man who led the charge. Defensively, I thought Johnson looked very stout. There were mistakes but his concentration level was higher than usual.
Grade: A-
Julian Champagnie
This was one of Champagnie’s better games in a while. He hit half of his six three-point attempts and he was also 3-for-4 at the free throw line. Champagnie played at a fast pace but also made the right passes and shot the shots he needed to shoot. Defensively, Champagnie played well on the ball and off of it.
Grade: B+
Sandro Mamukelashvili
It was good to see Mamukelashvili back to being very productive on the court. In only 12 minutes, he put up ten points and seven rebounds. Mamu shot with confidence from the perimeter and didn’t hesitate to take the ball to the lane. Defensively, there were a few ugly moments but he aided his compadres by rebounding and playing a physical brand of basketball.
Grade: B+
Blake Wesley
Wesley’s offensive night looks suboptimal on paper. He missed his three-point attempt, both of his two-point attempts and both of his one-point attempts. He also only tallied one assist in ten minutes. However, his speed helped push the pace for his teammates and break down New Orleans’ defense. Defensively, Wesley was locked in and made life difficult for the Pelicans.
Grade: B
Mitch Johnson
Johnson’s rotations made sense. I also didn’t have an issue with his play-calling. Interestingly, the coach played a young lineup down the stretch. Honestly, it looked like a stealth tank job by Johnson. It didn’t end up working but I like that Castle got experience leading the charge down the stretch.
Grade: B+