Four teams have won twice this season on New Orleans’ home floor, with three of them residing in the top six of the Western Conference standings (Phoenix, Dallas and Denver). The other entered Saturday at 15 games under .500, but has proven to be a major thorn in the sides of the Pelicans again in 2021-22, despite a blowout 33-point loss to New Orleans eight days ago.
After a tied game through three quarters, San Antonio outplayed New Orleans for an extended segment of the fourth period, then held on to post a critical win in the West play-in race.