SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs' losing skid extends to 14 in a row after losing to the New Orleans Pelican 121-106 on the road.
Victor Wembanyama did not play due to hip soreness. Julian Champagnie recorded 12 points. Zach Collins had 12 points and five rebounds in the loss. Jeremy Sochan had 13 points and four assists. Keldon Johnson added 11 points. Devin Vassell recorded 14 points.
The Spurs are 3-16 on the season, and will next visit the Timberwolves Wednesday night.
Here's a sample of what the teams said after the game.
SPURS
Gregg Popovich:
"It’s basketball, no matter how you slice it. The same fundamentals, win, lose. Whether you have the fundamentals or you don’t. Talent is important. Skills are important. Heart is important. You mentioned Manu (Ginobli): he had skills, he had heart, tenacity, all of those things are the same. Whether you are from Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, or Massachusetts in the United States, it does not matter.”
Johnson:
“I feel like we’re playing better. Obviously, we want to win, we don’t want to lose. We’re trending in the right direction. We continue to get better each and every game. We have to limit the turnovers [and] limit mistakes. We’re improving.”
PELICANS
Coach Willie Green:
“It’s a blessing to have the guys available that can come in and produce right away, but Naji (Marshall) was really good tonight, [and] getting Trey (Murphy III) back was huge for us. We can see where that’s going to end up going – with his shooting and Z (Zion Williamson), and CJ (McCollum) beyond their playmaking ability, but it’s a luxury to have for sure.”
Jonas Valanciunas:
“We were attacking the basket and we were attacking the paint. It is easy with the chemistry between Zion (Williamson), CJ (McCollum), and BI (Brandon Ingram). Everybody is trying to make the right plays and it is fun to play that way. I keep saying it every time you ask me but it is.”