NBA Roundup: Zion Williamson Leads Pelicans to Shock Win in San Antonio

Jan 26, 2026

The New Orleans Pelicans pulled off one of the night’s biggest surprises, earning an unexpected road victory over the San Antonio Spurs behind a strong showing from Zion Williamson. Few anticipated the Pelicans would control the game in San Antonio, but they delivered a confident performance to seal an eye-catching win.

The contest featured high energy, momentum shifts, and physical play, yet it was Williamson’s dominance that proved decisive as New Orleans outplayed the home side.

Zion Williamson Sets the Tone
Zion Williamson anchored the Pelicans’ effort with his powerful inside play, repeatedly attacking the basket and forcing the Spurs’ defense into difficult situations. His ability to finish through contact and draw defenders created space for his teammates and kept San Antonio on the back foot.

When Williamson is aggressive and healthy, his impact is unmistakableand this game was another reminder of how difficult he is to stop in the paint.

Pelicans Impress Away from Home
Road wins are always valuable in the NBA, and New Orleans earned this one by staying disciplined and composed throughout the game. The Pelicans:

⦁ Took control during key stretches
 
⦁ Played with confidence under pressure
 
⦁ Executed efficiently on offense
 
⦁ Took advantage of defensive mistakes

The result reflected a balanced team effort, with multiple players contributing to a performance that exceeded expectations.

Spurs Unable to Find Consistency
San Antonio entered the matchup hoping to defend their home court but struggled to match the Pelicans’ physicality and tempo. While there were moments of promise, lapses on defense and missed chances prevented the Spurs from gaining momentum.

Despite their effort, they couldn’t slow down New Orleans when it mattered most.

Bigger Picture Impact
For the Pelicans, the win serves as an encouraging sign as they push forward in a competitive Western Conference. Performances like this underline their ability to challenge opponents and stay in the conversation.

For the Spurs, the loss highlights areas for growth, particularly in defensive consistency and closing out games.

💬 Final Thoughts
Zion Williamson’s standout display and the Pelicans’ surprising road victory made this matchup one of the most notable results of the NBA schedule. It was a reminder that preparation, confidence, and execution can quickly flip expectations in the league. As the season unfolds, games like this will continue to influence standings and shape the storylines across the NBA.