NBA Round-Up: Phoenix Survives Edwards’ 40-Piece; Spurs Edge Pelicans In Wild Finish

Last Updated:December 09, 2025, 11:11 IST

Phoenix Suns edged Minnesota 108-105 despite Anthony Edwards’ 40 points, while San Antonio beat New Orleans 135-132 without Victor Wembanyama.

(Credit: AP)

A balanced, by-committee scoring night carried the Phoenix Suns past Minnesota 108-105 on Monday — even as Anthony Edwards dropped a monster 40-point performance.

Playing without leading scorer Devin Booker (groin), Phoenix (14-10) snapped the Timberwolves’ five-game win streak thanks to Mark Williams’ 22 points and six total Suns in double figures. Collin Gillespie (19 points) and a banged-up Dillon Brooks (18, sore left Achilles) added the extra punch Phoenix needed.

Minnesota (15-9) nearly stole it late. Edwards’ drive with 8.9 seconds left trimmed the lead to one, but Gillespie calmly knocked down two free throws with 6.3 seconds remaining. Jaden McDaniels’ potential game-tying three clanged out at the buzzer.

The Suns now shift to NBA Cup quarter-final mode, heading to Oklahoma City on Wednesday to face the league-best Thunder (23–1), who are riding a 15-game win streak.

Spurs Win Without Wemby — Again

Over in New Orleans, San Antonio — still missing Victor Wembanyama for an 11th straight game due to a left calf strain — edged the Pelicans 135–132 in a frantic finish.

Harrison Barnes led the Spurs with 24 points while rookie sparkplug Dylan Harper poured in 22 off the bench. Harper also delivered the go-ahead layup with 9.1 seconds left, putting San Antonio (16–7) in front for good.

New Orleans star Derik Queen posted a massive triple-double — 33 points, 10 boards and 10 assists — but his jumper with 3.8 seconds left rimmed out, and De’Aaron Fox iced the game with two free throws. Saddiq Bey’s desperation three missed at the horn as the Pelicans, now an NBA-worst 3–22, absorbed their seventh straight loss.

San Antonio now heads to Los Angeles for its NBA Cup quarter-final against the Lakers on Wednesday.

Rookie guard Stephon Castle returned from a three-week hip injury absence, adding 18 points, five rebounds and five assists for the Spurs.

Pacers Handle Kings

In Monday’s only other matchup, the Indiana Pacers beat the visiting Sacramento Kings 116-105.

Andrew Nembhard led Indiana (6–18) with 28 points and 12 assists, Bennedict Mathurin added 25, and Pascal Siakam chipped in 23.

Russell Westbrook recorded yet another triple-double for Sacramento (6-18): 24 points, 14 assists and 13 rebounds.

(with AFP inputs)

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