The Spaniard finished with 22 points and 9 rebounds, but most importantly 3 blocks--one in the crucial final minute of the game on Anthony Davis--knocking the ball out of bounds as the crowd roared with applause. Gasol celebrated the moment with fiery passion, and the Pelicans turned the ball over on the ensuing possession.
It led to a fastbreak slam by Gasol, courtesy of Michael Carter-Williams (6 assists). Patty Mills hit two big 3PTers with 14 points. The team needed a collective effort, as Kawhi Leonard struggled with just 14 points (6 free throws) but made up for it with 10 rebounds. Josh Smith hit a clutch 3 early in the 4th quarter and finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds, as well. It still took 33-22 San Antonio advantage to defeat a game Pelicans squad, with the recent signing of Rajon Rondo (10 assists, 8 points).
The bench effort was strong, especially by the younger Spurs and new addition, Joffrey Lauvergne, whose hustle and dunks in the pick-and-roll aided the rally. The French big man finished with 7 points. Davis Bertans hit two nice long shots in the second quarter to help build momentum after the Pelicans dominated the first period. Bryn Forbes hit a 3PTer as well early. Tony Parker struggled in this one, so it will be interesting moving forward if Mills starts in his place. Statistics would support Carter-Williams, but his long range game just isn't there compared to Mills. Coach Popovich will weigh his options moving forward, but at least the Spurs pulled out this gritty victory.
Not for nothing: Anthony Davis was a monster on the glass, quelling momentum for the Spurs with put-back shots going in, hogging the boards. He finished with 18 rebounds, and 28 points to boot. Demarcus "Boogie" Cousins helped with 18 points, but only shot 6-19 from the field. Jrue Holiday struggled alongside Rondo on 4-15 shooting, so it will be interesting to see if Coach Gentry keeps both guards in the starting lineup, considering Rondo is not the best shooter either--especially when the Pelicans only lost by 5 points, 98-103, a very Spurs-like final score.