Pelicans Suffer Two Close Losses, Raise Concern over Officiating

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana – The New Orleans Pelicans opened their 2025-26 NBA season with two narrow losses, raising questions about officiating in both games. The Pelicans dropped their latest contest against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday in overtime, losing by a score of 118-114.

Despite the defeat, Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has shown impressive form, averaging 27.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists over the first two games. The franchise, aiming to turn its fortunes around, played well but struggled in crucial moments against the Spurs.

In Friday’s matchup, the Pelicans had a chance to tie or win in the final seconds of overtime. Rookie guard Jeremiah Fears found an opening near the basket, cutting the Spurs’ lead to two points. However, a controversial call by officials allowed Harrison Barnes to shoot free throws instead of giving possession back to New Orleans.

The NBA later acknowledged that the call against Pelicans guard Jordan Poole was incorrect, stating, “Poole makes clean contact with the ball and dislodges it away from Barnes prior to incidental contact occurring with Barnes’ wrist thereafter.” This call effectively ended the game, with Barnes making two free throws to seal the Spurs’ victory.

Earlier in the week, the Pelicans experienced a similar situation in their season opener against the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite taking an early lead, they lost 128-122, and were impacted by a missed call on Morant that resulted in free throws that extended the Grizzlies’ lead late in the game.

As the Pelicans prepare for their next game against the Boston Celtics on Monday, they will need to address their close-game performance and look to convert opportunities into wins. The Spurs’ recent victory gives them momentum as they head into their next challenge against the Brooklyn Nets.