The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 126-117, at Smoothie King Center on Thursday evening.

The Pelicans jumped out to a great start with a 37-17 lead after one quarter. The Spurs came out stronger in the second but could only trim it to a 19-point game by halftime. Both sides brought an equal effort in the third and tallied 29 points each, while the Pelicans maintained their 19-point cushion heading into the final frame. The Spurs put up a fight in the fourth but it was not enough, as the Pelicans cruised to the home win, ending a four-game slide.

CJ McCollum led the way for the Pelicans with 40 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, two blocks and a steal, in 37 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas totaled 16 points, 10 rebounds and a steal, while Trey Murphy added 15 points, four rebounds and two steals. The Pelicans shot 48.4 percent from the field, including 13-of-34 from long range.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Sochan led the Spurs with 23 points, nine rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 31 minutes. Tre Jones followed up with 19 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Josh Richardson added 14 points, three rebounds and three assists. The Spurs shot 48 percent from the field, including 9-of-28 from deep.

The Spurs (10-21) will look to bounce back as they take on the Magic in Orlando on Friday. The Pelicans (19-12) take on the Thunder in OKC on Friday.