The san antonio spurs vs new orleans pelicans match player stats from the NBA Regular Season game played on 9 November 2025 tell the story of a competitive contest that showcased elite individual performances, efficient team basketball, and smart execution in crucial moments. Played before 18,611 fans at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, the Spurs secured a 126 to 119 victory, extending their excellent home form while strengthening their position in the season standings.

Although San Antonio claimed the win, the game featured standout performances on both sides. Trey Murphy III delivered one of the most impressive scoring displays of the season for New Orleans, while Victor Wembanyama dominated the glass and influenced the game defensively. De’Aaron Fox once again proved why he remains one of the league’s most dependable offensive leaders, and Stephon Castle demonstrated exceptional playmaking ability.

This matchup was far more than a simple box score. It highlighted how balanced team basketball, efficient shooting, rebounding control, and timely execution often outweigh even spectacular individual scoring efforts. Throughout this analysis, we will examine every important statistic, explain what those numbers actually mean, and identify the performances that shaped the outcome.

Table of Contents

Match Overview

Category	Details
Competition	NBA Regular Season
Date	9 November 2025
Venue	Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, Texas
Attendance	18,611
Final Score	San Antonio Spurs 126, New Orleans Pelicans 119
Winner	San Antonio Spurs
Season Series	Spurs lead 2 to 0

San Antonio entered the contest with a strong 7 to 2 record, including a perfect 5 to 0 record at home. Meanwhile, New Orleans arrived with a difficult 2 to 7 record and had struggled away from home throughout the early portion of the season.

Those contrasting records reflected themselves during important stretches of the game. The Pelicans repeatedly challenged the Spurs, but San Antonio consistently answered every run with composed offensive possessions and quality defensive execution.

Quarter by Quarter Breakdown

Quarter	New Orleans	San Antonio
First Quarter	22	28
Second Quarter	36	38
Third Quarter	27	26
Fourth Quarter	34	34
Final	119	126

The opening quarter immediately established San Antonio’s rhythm. Their six point advantage gave them confidence without creating a comfortable cushion.

During the second quarter, both offenses became increasingly efficient. The Pelicans scored 36 points, but the Spurs answered with 38 of their own, maintaining momentum heading into halftime.

New Orleans finally gained slight ground in the third period by outscoring San Antonio 27 to 26. Trey Murphy III became nearly unstoppable during this stretch, attacking from multiple areas of the floor.

The fourth quarter finished evenly at 34 points apiece. Although the Pelicans continued applying pressure, San Antonio never surrendered control because of timely shot making, disciplined ball movement, and reliable free throw shooting.

San Antonio Spurs vs New Orleans Pelicans Match Player Stats

One reason this matchup attracted significant attention was the quality of performances produced by several key players. The statistics reveal both individual excellence and the importance of teamwork.

San Antonio Spurs Player Statistics

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists	Key Impact
De’Aaron Fox	24	4	5	Team leading scorer
Victor Wembanyama	20	18	4	Dominated rebounding and rim protection
Stephon Castle	16	5	13	Controlled offensive flow
Devin Vassell	Solid two way contribution	Multiple rebounds	Efficient ball movement	Floor spacing
Harrison Barnes	Veteran leadership	Defensive effort	Offensive stability	Experience

San Antonio’s offense never depended on a single player. Instead, several contributors combined to create a balanced attack that proved difficult for New Orleans to defend.

New Orleans Pelicans Player Statistics

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists	Key Impact
Trey Murphy III	41	9	2	Outstanding scoring performance
Jose Alvarado	12	3	8	Bench playmaker
Herbert Jones	Defensive contributions	Strong perimeter defense	Team play	Versatility
Saddiq Bey	Balanced scoring	Hustle rebounds	Defensive effort	Wing production
Jeremiah Fears	Starting guard minutes	Ball handling	Offensive support	Young energy

Although the Pelicans produced several valuable individual performances, they lacked the overall balance that allowed San Antonio to maintain control throughout the game.

Trey Murphy III Produced an Elite Offensive Performance

The brightest individual performance belonged to Trey Murphy III.

His final stat line included:

41 points
9 rebounds
Team leading scorer
Team leading rebounder

Scoring more than 40 points in an NBA regular season game is an accomplishment regardless of the opponent. Murphy consistently found scoring opportunities by attacking closeouts, converting perimeter shots, and finishing aggressively inside.

Despite his offensive explosion, basketball remains a team game. San Antonio successfully limited the impact of the remaining Pelicans scorers during several important stretches.

Another interesting aspect of Murphy’s performance was his efficiency despite facing multiple defensive matchups. He rarely forced difficult attempts and continued attacking until the closing minutes.

Victor Wembanyama Controlled the Interior

Victor Wembanyama once again demonstrated why he has quickly become one of the league’s most influential young stars.

His production included:

18 rebounds
Strong rim protection
Interior defensive presence
Multiple second chance opportunities

Rebounding often receives less attention than scoring, but controlling the boards directly affects possession count. Wembanyama’s work on both offensive and defensive rebounds prevented New Orleans from creating additional scoring opportunities while generating valuable extra possessions for San Antonio.

His defensive positioning also altered numerous shots that never appear in traditional box scores.

De’Aaron Fox Delivered Efficient Leadership

De’Aaron Fox finished with 24 points, leading the Spurs in scoring.

Rather than relying on difficult isolation plays throughout the evening, Fox consistently made intelligent decisions based on defensive coverage. He attacked when driving lanes appeared, found teammates when defenders collapsed, and maintained offensive composure during critical possessions.

That type of leadership frequently separates winning teams from losing teams. Instead of chasing statistics, Fox focused on making the correct basketball play.

Stephon Castle’s Playmaking Changed the Game

While scoring often receives the headlines, Stephon Castle quietly produced one of the most valuable performances of the night.

His 13 assists represented the highest assist total among both teams.

Those assists reflected much more than passing ability. They showed his understanding of offensive spacing, timing, and decision making.

Several of San Antonio’s highest quality scoring opportunities originated from Castle’s patient ball movement rather than individual shot creation.

For a young guard, producing double digit assists while maintaining offensive control demonstrates significant maturity.

Team Shooting Comparison

The shooting percentages reveal why San Antonio ultimately secured victory.

Statistic	Pelicans	Spurs
Field Goals	45 of 94 (48%)	48 of 90 (53%)
Three Point Shooting	15 of 38 (39%)	14 of 40 (35%)
Free Throws	14 of 17 (82%)	16 of 18 (89%)

Although New Orleans connected on a slightly better percentage from beyond the three point line, San Antonio compensated with better overall field goal efficiency and outstanding free throw accuracy.

Shooting over 50 percent from the field against a talented NBA opponent typically places a team in an excellent position to win.

Furthermore, converting nearly 90 percent of free throw attempts ensured that the Spurs capitalized whenever the Pelicans committed fouls.

Rebounding Battle: Why San Antonio Controlled Extra Possessions

One of the most important areas that influenced the final result was rebounding. Looking deeper into the san antonio spurs vs new orleans pelicans match player stats, the rebounding numbers explain why San Antonio was able to maintain control despite New Orleans producing an outstanding offensive performance from Trey Murphy III.

The Spurs finished with:

43 total rebounds
Victor Wembanyama leading the team with 18 rebounds

The Pelicans recorded:

40 total rebounds
Trey Murphy III leading New Orleans with 9 rebounds

The difference of three rebounds may not appear significant, but in a close NBA game, every extra possession matters. San Antonio’s ability to secure defensive rebounds limited second chance opportunities for New Orleans, while their offensive rebounding efforts created additional scoring chances.

Victor Wembanyama’s rebounding impact was especially important. His size, timing, and positioning allowed San Antonio to finish defensive possessions more consistently. When a team forces a missed shot but fails to secure the rebound, the defensive effort often becomes meaningless. Wembanyama helped prevent that problem.

Assist Numbers Showed San Antonio’s Offensive Balance

Modern NBA basketball is increasingly influenced by ball movement, and this matchup was a clear example.

The team assist totals were:

Team	Assists
San Antonio Spurs	31
New Orleans Pelicans	27

San Antonio created four more assists than New Orleans, which reflected a more connected offensive approach.

Stephon Castle’s 13 assists were the centerpiece of that success. His ability to create opportunities for teammates allowed the Spurs to avoid becoming overly dependent on individual scoring.

A team that consistently generates open shots usually creates better offensive efficiency over four quarters. San Antonio’s 53 percent field goal shooting was a direct result of quality offensive possessions and effective shot selection.

New Orleans also moved the ball well, but their offense relied more heavily on individual shot creation, especially during difficult moments.

Turnovers and Ball Security Analysis

Turnovers can completely change the momentum of an NBA game.

The turnover comparison:

Team	Turnovers
San Antonio Spurs	12
New Orleans Pelicans	11

The Pelicans slightly protected the basketball better, but the difference was minimal.

Neither team experienced major problems with careless mistakes. However, San Antonio’s ability to convert efficient possessions after turnovers helped them maintain offensive consistency.

The Spurs understood when to slow down and when to attack. That balance prevented New Orleans from creating easy transition opportunities.

Defensive Performance Comparison

Defense was another major difference between the two teams.

Defensive Category	Pelicans	Spurs
Steals	7	6
Blocks	2	6
Personal Fouls	19	20

New Orleans recorded one more steal, showing active perimeter defense. However, San Antonio’s six blocks demonstrated their stronger interior protection.

The Spurs’ defensive identity was built around controlling the paint and forcing difficult attempts near the basket.

Victor Wembanyama played a major role in this area. His presence alone changes how opponents approach offensive possessions because attackers must consider his ability to contest shots.

Three Point Shooting: New Orleans Had the Edge

The three point statistics were one area where New Orleans performed slightly better.

Team	Three Point Makes	Attempts	Percentage
Pelicans	15	38	39%
Spurs	14	40	35%

The Pelicans connected on a higher percentage from long distance, which helped them remain competitive throughout the game.

However, San Antonio’s advantage came from overall offensive efficiency. They made more field goals overall and converted free throws at a higher rate.

This is an important basketball lesson: winning the three point percentage battle does not always guarantee victory. Teams must also control rebounds, create quality shots, and execute in late game situations.

Bench Contributions and Depth Comparison

A strong NBA team rarely wins because of starters alone. Bench production often determines whether a team can survive difficult stretches.

Pelicans Bench Performance

New Orleans received contributions from:

Jose Alvarado
Karlo Matkovic
Derik Queen
Micah Peavy
Jordan Hawkins

Jose Alvarado provided valuable energy and playmaking, finishing with eight assists. His ability to create opportunities helped maintain offensive pressure when the starters rested.

The Pelicans bench brought defensive intensity and effort, but San Antonio’s overall depth created more consistent support.

Spurs Bench Performance

San Antonio received contributions from:

Lindy Waters III
Keldon Johnson
Julian Champagnie
Jeremy Sochan
Carter Bryant

The Spurs benefited from having multiple players capable of contributing in different areas.

Some players provided scoring, others supplied defense and rebounding, and together they maintained the team’s structure throughout the game.

Depth was especially valuable because it prevented San Antonio from becoming predictable.

Starting Lineup Comparison

New Orleans Pelicans Starting Lineup

The Pelicans started:

Kevon Looney
Herbert Jones
Trey Murphy III
Saddiq Bey
Jeremiah Fears

This lineup provided a combination of defensive ability, athletic wings, and scoring potential.

Trey Murphy III was clearly the offensive leader, but the Spurs focused on limiting opportunities for the supporting cast.

San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup

The Spurs started:

Harrison Barnes
Victor Wembanyama
De’Aaron Fox
Devin Vassell
Stephon Castle

This group offered a strong balance of size, scoring, and playmaking.

Having multiple players capable of creating offense made it difficult for New Orleans to focus defensive attention on only one player.

Key Matchup: Victor Wembanyama vs Trey Murphy III

One of the most interesting aspects of this game was the contrast between Trey Murphy III’s scoring dominance and Victor Wembanyama’s all-around influence.

Murphy controlled the scoring category:

41 points
9 rebounds

Wembanyama influenced several categories:

18 rebounds
Defensive impact
Interior control

This comparison shows why basketball cannot always be evaluated through scoring alone.

A player can score 40 points and still lose because the opponent controls other important areas of the game. Wembanyama’s rebounding and defensive presence helped San Antonio win the possession battle.

Why the Spurs Won the Game

Several factors combined to produce San Antonio’s victory:

1. Superior Field Goal Efficiency

The Spurs shot:

48 of 90 from the field
53 percent shooting

That efficiency gave them a consistent scoring foundation.

2. Better Free Throw Execution

San Antonio converted:

16 of 18 free throws
89 percent accuracy

Late game free throws are often the difference between protecting a lead and allowing a comeback.

3. Strong Interior Presence

The Spurs finished with:

Six blocks
43 rebounds

Their defensive structure reduced the effectiveness of New Orleans’ inside opportunities.

4. Balanced Scoring Attack

Unlike the Pelicans, who relied heavily on Murphy’s historic scoring night, San Antonio received meaningful contributions from several players.

That balance made their offense harder to predict.

Lessons From the Match for Basketball Analysis

The san antonio spurs vs new orleans pelicans match player stats provide several valuable lessons for understanding NBA games beyond simple box score numbers.

First, individual brilliance does not always decide the winner. Trey Murphy III produced an incredible scoring performance, but San Antonio’s balanced approach created a better overall result.

Second, advanced evaluation requires examining multiple categories together. Field goal percentage, rebounding, assists, turnovers, and defensive statistics all combine to explain why a team wins.

Third, young players continue to demonstrate their importance in modern basketball. Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle showed how emerging talent can immediately influence winning basketball.

For readers analyzing future games, focusing only on points scored can create an incomplete picture. The best evaluation comes from understanding how each player’s performance affects team success.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who was the top scorer in the San Antonio Spurs vs New Orleans Pelicans game?

Trey Murphy III was the highest scorer in the game, finishing with 41 points for the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite his outstanding offensive performance, the Spurs secured a 126 to 119 victory because of their balanced scoring, rebounding advantage, and stronger overall efficiency.

2. How many points did De’Aaron Fox score against the Pelicans?

De’Aaron Fox scored 24 points for the San Antonio Spurs. He led the Spurs in scoring and provided consistent offensive leadership throughout the matchup.

3. Which player had the most rebounds in the game?

Victor Wembanyama recorded the most rebounds in the game with 18 rebounds. His rebounding ability helped San Antonio control possessions and reduce second chance scoring opportunities for New Orleans.

4. Who recorded the most assists in the Spurs vs Pelicans matchup?

Stephon Castle recorded the most assists in the game with 13 assists. His playmaking helped the Spurs create efficient scoring opportunities and contributed to their 31 total team assists.

5. What was the final score between the Spurs and Pelicans?

The San Antonio Spurs defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 126 to 119 at Frost Bank Center on 9 November 2025.

6. Which team led the season series after this game?

After this matchup, the San Antonio Spurs led the season series 2 to 0 against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Conclusion

The San Antonio Spurs vs New Orleans Pelicans matchup showed how different styles of basketball can create a highly competitive NBA contest. New Orleans received an extraordinary performance from Trey Murphy III, who finished with 41 points and 9 rebounds, but San Antonio’s overall team execution created the difference.

The Spurs succeeded because they combined efficient shooting, strong rebounding, excellent ball movement, and defensive control. Victor Wembanyama’s 18 rebounds, De’Aaron Fox’s 24 points, and Stephon Castle’s 13 assists represented the balanced approach that helped San Antonio secure the victory.

The game also highlighted an important lesson for basketball analysis: statistics must be viewed together rather than individually. A single player’s scoring output can be impressive, but winning basketball usually depends on multiple factors working together, including efficiency, possessions, defense, and teamwork.

The san antonio spurs vs new orleans pelicans match player stats provide a complete picture of a game where individual talent was on full display, but disciplined team performance ultimately determined the result.