Decimated by injures, the beat up Pelicans (15-22) still gave one of the NBA's best squads all they wanted Monday night in New Orleans.

The San Antonio Spurs edged out the Pels in the final minute, thanks in large part to costly New Orleans turnovers. For the majority of the game, Monty Williams' squad did a nice job of protecting the ball, but in the end, the veteran Spurs made them pay.

"We had three costly turnovers in the last few minutes of the game," explained Williams, whose Pelicans have lost 6 in a row.

Without their leading scorer in Ryan Anderson (herniated disk), All-Star point guard in Jrue Holiday (fractured tibia), and top bench player Tyreke Evans (ankle), the Pelicans are playing against great odds. Williams would rather not talk about it.

"That can’t be what we rely upon as an excuse," said Williams. "We had our chances tonight and we just didn’t execute down the stretch."

Anthony Davis executed at a high level, something Pelican fans have grown accustomed to this season. The 20-year old phenom finished with a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds. His effort on both ends of the floor had future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan on his toes. For the first time in nearly 4 years, Duncan fouled out of a game. Tim was complimentary of the young Pelican, admitting he's impressed by Davis' game.

“He played hard. He’s very active. He’s had a great year so far," said Duncan. "He’s a great piece for them to have right now and he’s continuing to mature. He’s got an exciting future.”

Point guard Brian Roberts, who is starting in place of the injured Holiday, shot well from 3 point range, going 3-5. He scored a season-high 19 points, but is growing tiresome of coming up short.

"We have to find a way down the stretch to get a stop or get a rebound. Just one possession," noted Roberts. "We’re right there but in a close game, every possession counts…in those key moments, we have to keep our composure.”

The Pelicans will try to snap their 6 game winning streak at home Wednesday night when they host the Houston Rockets(25-14). Tip-off is set for 7:00.

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