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.

The Spurs didn’t get great contributions from many of their starters, but the bench stepped up and provided the spark San Antonio needed to win the game.

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