By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Despite Derrick White’s early exit with a left knee contusion, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 122-113, in the NBA bubble set in Orlando.
Among the five double-digit scorers, Marco Belinelli scored 14 points with 3/11 from the field, also posted two rebounds and two assists. Starting teammate Jakob Poeltl punched in four points, 14 rebounds, two steals, and one assist. Luka Samanic did not earn playing time.
Powered by 15 points in the fourth quarter, DeMar DeRozan mixed in a team-high 27 points as the Spurs went up to 31-38 dropping their opponents to 30-40. A Portland Trail Blazers win later Sunday will officially eliminate the Pelicans from the playoffs.
Zion Williamson made his way to 25 points and J.J. Redick scored 31 with 8/12 threes but failed to land a key win for the New Orleans organization. Italian big Nicolo Melli got two points, one rebound, one assist, and one block in ten minutes.
The next game for the team coached by Gregg Popovich is on Tuesday against the Houston Rockets with the play-in match or two-game series in view. Tuesday’s schedule will also feature the Pelicans taking on the Sacramento Kings.
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