Snapping Losing Streak Behind VDub and Castle’s Heroics, Spurs Edge Pelicans 121-116
VDub scored 25 points and had 10 rebounds in his return to the lineup to help the Spurs defeat the ailing Pelicans 121-116 Sunday at the Frost Bank Center.
The victory snapped a three game losing streak following a road loss in Phoenix 104-93 and home losses to Chicago 139-124 and Sacramento 140-113.
Wembanyama had missed the previous two games with lower back soreness. The Silver and Black were 0-2 in his absence.
Rookie guard Stephon Castle chipped in 22 points in Sunday’s home win over New Orleans.
The Spurs are now 12-12 and have fallen to the 11th spot in an ultra competitive Western Conference. They are a half game behind the Lakers for the last and final position for the play-in tournament for a playoff spot. The Silver and Black are only two games behind the Clippers for the 6th seed if the playoffs were to start today.
With 10 assists against the Pelicans, Chris Paul moved into second place all-time surpassing current Maverick’s coach Jason Kid. The 39-year-old Paul moved into second place when the 20-year-old Wembanyama made a 25-foot 3-pointer with 7:06 remaining in the first half against New Orleans, the franchise where his 20-year career began.
“Yeah, it is wild,” Paul said after Friday’s loss to Sacramento. “I mean, five years ago I had seen that number and it’s like, ‘Man, you going to play long enough to do that?’ Seriously. I mean, I remember being a rookie, I said that before, looking up in Utah, seeing John Stockton all-time steals and assist leader. So, yeah, it is kind of crazy. I mean, I’m grateful for the opportunity to still continue to play.”
Paul now has 12,099 dimes for his career and trails only the Utah Jazz’s John Stockton who is the all-time leader with 15,806 assists. Paul is averaging 10.4 points and 8.5 assists which ties him for fifth in the association.
Upcoming Games:
Fri, Dec, 13 @ (13)Portland(8-15) 9pm
Sun, Dec 15 vs (8)Minnesota(12-11) 6pm
