The Tribune

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Buddy Hield scored eight points in 18 minutes, but his New Orleans Pelicans suffered their third straight defeat, going down 98-79 to the San Antonio Spurs.

Kawhi Leonard had 20 points as San Antonio won in its home opener.

The Spurs won their first season opener in 20 years without Tim Duncan, who retired in the offseason. San Antonio played without any of its Big Three as Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili both sat out to rest in the first night of back-to-back games.

San Antonio didn't appear to miss them, as 11 players scored to help the team remain unbeaten after three games.

Patty Mills scored 18 points starting in place of Parker, and LaMarcus Aldridge had 12 points.

Pelicans forward Anthony Davis was held to 18 points after scoring 50 and 45 points in the first two games. Aldridge picked up three fouls in the first half as Davis' primary defender, but still managed to hold the 6-foot-10 forward to 6-for-15 shooting in the game.

E'Twaun Moore also had 18 points for New Orleans.