The NBA matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs on March 15, 2025, at the Frost Bank Center was a thrilling contest, with the Spurs edging out a close 119-115 victory. This Western Conference clash showcased standout performances from key players, delivering exciting moments for basketball fans. In this article, we dive into the player stats, key highlights, and what made this game a must-watch. Whether you’re searching for detailed Pelicans vs Spurs player stats, game analysis, or insights into individual performances, we’ve got you covered.
Match Summary
- Sport: Basketball
- League: NBA (National Basketball Association)
- Season: 2024–2025 Regular Season
- Date: March 15, 2025
- Location: Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, Texas
- Matchup: New Orleans Pelicans vs San Antonio Spurs Match Player Stats
- Final Score: Spurs 119 – Pelicans 115
- Winner: San Antonio Spurs
Game Overview: Pelicans vs Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs (31-43, 13th in the West) hosted the New Orleans Pelicans (21-54, 14th in the West) in a tightly contested game that ended with a final score of 119-115 in favor of the Spurs. Despite the Pelicans’ efforts to close the gap, the Spurs’ balanced attack and clutch plays secured the win. This game was part of the 2024-2025 NBA regular season, and fans can relive the action through highlights on platforms like YouTube, Dailymotion, or the NBA League Pass.
Below, we break down the player stats, key performances, and moments that defined this exciting matchup.
Key Player Stats: New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans came into the game with a challenging season, holding the second-worst record in the Western Conference (18-49 before the game). Despite the loss, several players delivered notable performances:
- Trey Murphy III: The Pelicans’ sharpshooter led the team with 24 points, including 3 three-pointers, showcasing his growing role as a key offensive weapon. Murphy also contributed with playmaking, averaging 6.4 assists per game in February, though specific assist numbers for this game were not detailed. His ability to stretch the floor was critical, as he was predicted to hit over 3.5 triples in this matchup.
- Zion Williamson: The star forward added 18 points and was a force on the boards, predicted to grab over 9.5 rebounds. While exact rebound stats for this game weren’t provided, Williamson’s physical presence was a challenge for the Spurs’ defense. His season average of 22.7 points and 7.5 rebounds in recent games highlights his consistency.
- Yves Missi: The rookie center recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring the paint for New Orleans. His season stats show 8.3 rebounds per game, making him a vital piece for the Pelicans despite their struggles.
- Kelly Olynyk: Newly acquired from the Toronto Raptors, Olynyk contributed 12 rebounds, continuing his strong rebounding performance after pulling down 15 rebounds in the Pelicans’ previous win over the Spurs on February 23.
The Pelicans struggled with injuries, with Herbert Jones and Dejounte Murray sidelined for the season and uncertainty around Brandon Boston Jr., Kelly Olynyk, and Yves Missi’s status leading into the game. Despite these challenges, the Pelicans mounted a comeback from a 19-point deficit but fell short.
Key Player Stats: San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs, coming off a back-to-back after a win against the Dallas Mavericks, relied on a balanced attack to secure the victory. Here are the standout performers:
- Keldon Johnson: The Spurs forward delivered a strong performance, with predictions suggesting he’d score over 16.5 points. Johnson’s recent form showed 17 PPG over his last five games, and his 7-foot driving floater was a highlight of the game.
- Chris Paul: The veteran point guard orchestrated the offense with 8.4 assists per game this season. In this game, he contributed with a 14-foot pullup jumper and multiple assists, including one to Harrison Barnes for a 23-foot three-pointer.
- Stephon Castle: The rookie made an impact with a driving layup and free throws, showing poise under pressure.
- Bruce Brown: Brown added a 23-foot three-pointer and a cutting layup, assisted by Kelly Olynyk (playing for the Pelicans in this instance, likely a typo in source data). His versatility helped the Spurs maintain their lead.
- Jeremy Sochan: Sochan’s highlight-reel moment came with a halfcourt shot, energizing the crowd and contributing to the Spurs’ momentum.
- Bismack Biyombo and Julian Champagnie: Both players chipped in with key plays, including Biyombo’s free throws and Champagnie’s 26-foot three-pointer assisted by Blake Wesley.
The Spurs were without their star, Victor Wembanyama, whose absence has impacted their season (6-12 without him). However, their depth and veteran leadership from Chris Paul helped them overcome fatigue from playing the previous night.
Game Highlights and Key Moments
- Close Finish: The Spurs held off a late Pelicans rally, with the final score of 119-115 reflecting the game’s intensity. Key plays like Keldon Johnson’s and-1 and Jeremy Sochan’s halfcourt shot were pivotal in maintaining the lead.
- Pelicans’ Comeback Attempt: Despite trailing by 19 points in the first half, the Pelicans fought back, led by Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson. Their poor shooting from beyond the arc (7 of 31) hindered their chances.
- Spurs’ Depth: San Antonio’s ability to distribute scoring and rely on veterans like Chris Paul and role players like Stephon Castle and Julian Champagnie proved decisive.
- Rebounding Battle: The Pelicans dominated the boards, with Kelly Olynyk and Yves Missi combining for significant rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Spurs’ clutch shooting.
Fans can watch video highlights of this game on platforms like YouTube, Dailymotion, or the NBA League Pass, where top plays, including Sochan’s halfcourt shot and Johnson’s and-1, are available.
Head-to-Head Context
The Spurs and Pelicans have a storied rivalry, with San Antonio holding a historical edge. In 95 games since 2004, the Spurs have won 60 compared to the Pelicans’ 35. Recent matchups, however, show a competitive balance:
- February 23, 2025: Pelicans won 114-96, with Zion Williamson (22 points, 9 rebounds) and Kelly Olynyk (14 points, 15 rebounds) leading the way.
- February 25, 2025: Pelicans completed a two-game sweep with a 109-103 victory, led by Trey Murphy III’s 24 points.
- March 15, 2025: Spurs bounced back with the 119-115 win, showcasing their resilience.
The Spurs’ historical PPG average is 100.7, slightly higher than the Pelicans’ 98.8, reflecting their edge in this matchup.
Why This Game Matters
This game highlighted the contrasting trajectories of both teams. The Pelicans, despite their struggles (18-49 before the game), showed fight with their young core of Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and Yves Missi. However, injuries to key players like Dejounte Murray and Herbert Jones have derailed their season.
The Spurs, meanwhile, demonstrated resilience without Victor Wembanyama, relying on veterans like Chris Paul and emerging talents like Stephon Castle and Keldon Johnson. Their ability to win a close game on a back-to-back suggests potential for growth as the season progresses.
Where to Find More Stats and Highlights
For detailed box scores, video highlights, and play-by-play updates, fans can visit:
- NBA.com for official box scores and game recaps.
- Sofascore.com for live scores, stats, and H2H results.
- ESPN.com for game summaries and player performance breakdowns.
- The Athletic for real-time coverage and in-depth analysis.
Predictions and Betting Insights
Pre-game predictions favored the Pelicans with a -5.5 spread, expecting Zion Williamson to dominate and Trey Murphy III to hit multiple threes. However, the Spurs defied expectations, leveraging their home-court advantage at the Frost Bank Center. Betting props that hit included Keldon Johnson over 16.5 points and Trey Murphy III over 3.5 triples.
For future games, fans can check betting odds and predictions on platforms like Oddspedia.com or BetMGM, which offer insights into player props and game outcomes.
Conclusion
The New Orleans Pelicans vs San Antonio Spurs matchup on March 15, 2025, was a showcase of resilience, young talent, and veteran leadership. While the Spurs secured a hard-fought 119-115 victory, players like Trey Murphy III, Zion Williamson, Keldon Johnson, and Chris Paul lit up the stat sheet. This game underscored the competitive nature of the Western Conference and provided fans with memorable highlights.
For the latest Pelicans vs Spurs player stats, box scores, and highlights, check out NBA.com, Sofascore, or ESPN. Stay tuned for the next chapter in this rivalry when the teams face off again on March 16, 2025, at 12:30 AM UTC at the Frost Bank Center.
