The Spurs missed 32 of their 44 three-point attempts and 13 of their 32 free throws. Had they hit shots, especially the timely ones, they might have stolen the win despite being outscored by 24 in the paint and allowing 26 second-chance points off 19 Pelicans offensive rebounds.

"You don't want to be a team that's looked at as being soft," said Devin Vassell after one of San Antonio's most regrettable losses of the season.