The San Antonio Spurs defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 111-109, at Smoothie King Center on Friday night.

The Pelicans (45-32) came into the game as clear home favorites and validated that standing in the first quarter, when they forged a 27-18 lead. New Orleans added another point to its advantage in the second quarter, seemingly putting them in control at halftime. However, the Spurs (20-58) were able to erase their entire deficit in the third quarter, and after a hotly contested final period, the game was sealed when Devonte' Graham and Victor Wembanyama each drained a pair of free throws in the closing seconds.

Graham led the Spurs with 20 points, complementing them with five assists, two rebounds and three steals. Wembanyama generated a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double that included nine assists, three blocks and one steal. Zach Collins and Sandro Mamukelashvili each produced 15 points while tallying seven and five rebounds, respectively. Julian Champagnie matched his teammates' scoring and also collected four rebounds, four assists, four blocks and one steal. Tre Jones and Malaki Branham generated 14 points apiece while dishing out four and two assists, respectively.

CJ McCollum paced the Pelicans with 31 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, four assists and one block. Jonas Valanciunas totaled 26 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Trey Murphy finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Herbert Jones delivered 15 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals.

The Spurs return home to host the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night, while the Pelicans visit the Phoenix Suns on Sunday evening.