Harper’s late drive edges Spurs past Pelicans, eclipsing Queen’s 30-point triple-double
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NEW ORLEANS — Rookie guard Dylan Harper banked in a right-handed layup with 9.1 seconds remaining, lifting the San Antonio Spurs to a 135-132 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night at Smoothie King Center and overshadowing a record-setting performance by fellow first-year standout Derik Queen.
Harper, the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, finished with a career-best 22 points, six assists and three rebounds. His decisive basket came after he muscled past Saddiq Bey on the left wing, pushing San Antonio in front for good.
Queen, selected 13th overall, delivered 33 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and four blocks, becoming the first rookie center in league history to log a 30-point triple-double, according to ESPN Research. The Pelicans newcomer shot 11-for-15 from the field and 11-for-15 at the foul line, including a perfect 9-for-9 in a 21-point third quarter that fueled a 45-23 New Orleans surge and wiped out a 25-point deficit.
“I’m happy for him,” Queen said of Harper after the game. “We’ve been competing since middle school. I’m looking forward to more battles.”
Queen’s explosive third period made him the fourth player in the play-by-play era to post at least 20 points and five assists without a turnover in a quarter, joining LeBron James, Brandon Ingram and Tyus Jones. His final two free throws of the frame handed New Orleans a 102-100 edge entering the fourth.
Harper answered with nine points and three assists in the final 12 minutes. “My teammates keep telling me to be myself,” the left-hander said. “Plays like that show I’m going to attack the rim no matter what.”
Pelicans interim coach James Borrego praised Queen’s all-around night, noting his work on the glass and as a facilitator. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson lamented his club’s sluggish second half, saying, “Give them credit. They made some shots and flipped the game, and then you’re in a dogfight.”
New Orleans still had a chance after Harper’s go-ahead basket. Jose Alvarado found Queen alone above the arc, but the rookie’s three-pointer struck the front rim with 3.1 seconds left. Queen immediately fouled De’Aaron Fox, who converted two free throws to seal the result.
Queen became the third rookie in Pelicans franchise history to record a triple-double, joining Chris Paul and Darren Collison. Stephon Castle, the reigning Rookie of the Year, lauded his Spurs backcourt mate, calling Harper “fearless, touching the paint whenever, finding a shot at will.”
The victory moved San Antonio to 10-14, while New Orleans slipped to 12-12.
Source: ESPN
