The Strategic Necessity of Dylan Harper’s Late Game Heroics to Secure the Spurs’ Narrow Victory Over the Pelicans
The San Antonio Spurs snatched a thrilling 135-132 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Monday, December 8, 2025, but only after surviving a furious comeback that almost spoiled their wire to wire dominance. The game was an electric display of youthful talent, headlined by Pelicans rookie Derik Queen, who recorded a sensational 33 point, 10 rebound, 10 assist triple double. Despite Queen’s historic performance and a massive 45 point third quarter by New Orleans, the Spurs, led by the clutch play of rookie Dylan Harper, held on to secure a vital road win and hand the Pelicans their seventh consecutive loss.
The immediate impact of the game was the tale of two massive momentum swings. The Spurs, even without star Victor Wembanyama (left calf), were dominant early, using their perimeter shooting and balanced attack to build a massive 20 point lead at halftime, 77-57. Harrison Barnes (24 points) and rookie Dylan Harper (22 points) led a 42 point second quarter barrage that suggested a comfortable road victory. However, the Pelicans stormed out of the locker room in the third quarter, led by Queen's phenomenal 21 point period, which saw them outscore the Spurs 45-23 and take a two point lead heading into the final frame.
The strategic complexity of the late game forced both teams to rely on their young core in the absence of stars like Wembanyama and Zion Williamson (right hip). The Spurs, who looked disorganized in the third, showed poise in the final minutes. Rookie Dylan Harper, the difference maker, scored a go ahead driving floater with just nine seconds left to give San Antonio the 133-132 advantage. This clutch bucket was the final blow to a resilient Pelicans effort. Despite shooting 17 three pointers to New Orleans’ seven, the Spurs successfully slowed the game down in the final possessions, culminating in De’Aaron Fox’s two free throws that sealed the 135-132 final margin.
Looking ahead, the future outlook for the Pelicans (3-22) is one of immense frustration, as the thrilling comeback was ultimately spoiled. Derik Queen’s performance becoming only the third New Orleans rookie to register a triple double was a positive footnote, showcasing his potential as a franchise centerpiece. Interim Head Coach James Borrego praised Queen’s “really special performance” but noted the loss was a painful end to a high scoring, stressful match. For the San Antonio Spurs (16-7), the road victory demonstrated their depth and ability to handle pressure, giving them a commanding 3-0 season series lead over their Western Conference rivals as they await the much anticipated return of Wembanyama.