Dylan Harper breaks the Pelicans’ back with a clutch performance
On Monday night, San Antonio Spurs they found themselves in a closer-than-expected contest against a New Orleans Pelicans team that was without Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole. Ali Pelikani, tthanks to the historic effort of Derrick Quinn (game with 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in which he became the first rookie this season to record a triple-double), held close until the very end — guaranteeing a monster performance in the clutch from another rookie in the rush Dylan Harper.
De’Aaron Fox was the star of the show with Victor Vembanyama, but with the Pelicans in Fox, the Spurs needed Harper to step up. And Harper answered the call with multiple clutch buckets in a 135-132 victory — including a dagger that proved to be the difference. With 14.4 seconds left in the game, the Spurs rookie got the ball off an inbounds pass and beat Sadik Bey off the dribble.
Harper then drove all the way to the cup, dropped his shoulder and went for a graceful layup — giving the Spurs a 133-132 lead. they wouldn’t give up.
Spurs rookie Dylan Harper with a CLUTCH basket with 9.1 left 😤
He has a record 22 points!pic.twitter.com/NvupKF6LKSi
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 9, 2025
The Pelicans had a chance to retake the lead on the ensuing possession, but Quinn missed what would have been a go-ahead 3-pointer. Fox then proceeded to drill two more free throws to seal the deal after Bey missed a one-footed three-point attempt in the dying embers of the contest.
Spurs held the fort without Victor Wembanyama
Vembanjama recently returned to trainingsignaling he is close to returning to action after dealing with a calf strain. He ended up being ruled out of Monday night’s contest against the Pelicans, but could return for NBA Cup action against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.
Spurs went 8-3 with Wembanjama out, suggesting they are a legitimate contender, especially with their best player back.
2025-12-09 04:32:00
