With the Spurs clinging to a 113-111 lead with 1:30 remaining, Johnson won a battle for the rebound of Castle’s missed 3-pointer. Johnson passed it to Vassell, who drained a 3 from 26 feet to extend San Antonio’s lead to 116-111 with 1:03 remaining.

One bright spot for New Orleans has been Zion Williamson's return from injury in January. The two-time all-star is averaging career-highs in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks

LaMelo Ball had 27 points and 14 assists, and the Charlotte Hornets made a franchise-record 26 3-pointers to roll past the San Antonio Spurs 145-134 on Friday night.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball made franchise history in Friday’s 145-134 win against the San Antonio Spurs. While some question Ball’s long-term future with the Hornets, LaMelo’s impressive performance against the Spurs is one of his best in the 2024-25 regular season.

The Spurs scored 79 points in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Charlotte’s 18 first-half threes.