Final - OT
Spurs search for winning formula vs. Pelicans
Dec 31, 2014 - 2:42 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The San Antonio Spurs are in a rut and they'll try to get out of it Wednesday night when they host the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center.The Spurs have dropped seven of their last nine and three of their last four. Injuries have hurt San Antonio, which is without reigning NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and All-Star guard Tony Parker.
On Tuesday, the Spurs fell in Memphis to the Grizzlies, 95-87.
Marco Belinelli and Cory Joseph each had 18 points for San Antonio. Tim Duncan chipped in nine points and 10 rebounds, followed by 10 points from Patty Mills.
All 13 Spurs who played on Tuesday managed at least a point.
"It hurts to be in a position like this and still be able to hypothetically win a game, but just can't get over that hump," Duncan said.
The Spurs trailed by 10 after the first quarter, 14 at the half, but just 11 after three quarters.
Duncan's jumper had the Spurs within 80-77 midway through the fourth, but Marc Gasol countered with a jumper and Tayshaun Prince nailed a long-range 2- pointer for an 84-77 edge. Mike Conley then made two from the charity stripe with 3:37 left to cap the 6-0 run and essentially seal the outcome.
The Grizzlies shot 48.6 percent from the floor and 46.7 percent from behind the 3-point line. San Antonio was well below Memphis on both counts.
Wednesday night starts a four-game homestand for the Spurs where the Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons and Phoenix Suns also visit Alamo City.
The Pelicans have traded victories and losses over the previous seven games. They've dropped two straight on the road, but did win last time out, a 110-106 home victory over the Suns on Tuesday.
Tyreke Evans scored 24 points with eight rebounds and was instrumental down the stretch to help the Pelicans. Jrue Holiday had 21 points with six assists and Anthony Davis contributed 19 points and season-high 18 rebounds for the Pelicans, who have won two of their last three.
"I am really thankful to our fans. I thought our guys got a ton of energy from this city tonight," said Pelicans coach Monty Williams. "As happy as I am about the numbers, winning the game, I'm really proud of how our fans hung in with us down the stretch."
The score was still tied until Evans knocked down a pair of free throws with 1:32 remaining, then Goran Dragic threw it away and Dante Cunningham swiped the loose ball. Evans made the turnover count with a jumper from the top of the key for a 104-100 edge.
Phoenix's Eric Bledsoe converted a tough layup at the other end to cut the deficit in half with 38.7 seconds left.
Evans used some clock prior to driving the lane and converting a layup that rattled in. Dragic caught the transition defense sleeping and raced down the floor to make a layup. Evans was then fouled and made both free throws to restore the four-point cushion with 14 seconds left.
The Pelicans beat the Spurs in both meetings this season. Those victories halted a five-game series losing streak. New Orleans' road win on Nov. 8 ended a seven-game slide in San Antonio.
- NEW ORLEANS: 93
SAN ANTONIO: 95
Final - OT
Dec 31 9:37 PM - NEW ORLEANS: 93
SAN ANTONIO: 95
End of OT
Dec 31 9:34 PM - NEW ORLEANS: 84
SAN ANTONIO: 84
End of Regulation
Dec 31 9:17 PM - 227
roots - NEW ORLEANS: 60
SAN ANTONIO: 62
End of 3rd
Dec 31 8:40 PM - NEW ORLEANS: 28
SAN ANTONIO: 38
Halftime
Dec 31 8:00 PM - NEW ORLEANS: 28
SAN ANTONIO: 38
Halftime
Dec 31 8:00 PM - NEW ORLEANS: 14
SAN ANTONIO: 17
End of 1st
Dec 31 7:32 PM - NEW ORLEANS: 0
SAN ANTONIO: 0
1st Quarter - 12:00
Dec 31 7:10 PM
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