Overview
- The 20-year-old finished with 33 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 blocks, the season’s first rookie triple-double and, per ESPN Research, the first 30-point triple-double by a rookie center.
- He erupted for a flawless 21-point third quarter on 6-for-6 shooting and 9-for-9 free throws, a feat reported as the youngest 20-plus-point perfect quarter on record.
- San Antonio won 135-132 after No. 2 pick Dylan Harper’s late driving layup, with De’Aaron Fox adding free throws in the final seconds.
- New Orleans fell to 3-22 despite a 45-23 third quarter, and Queen’s open look from the top of the key for a potential winner bounced off with 3.1 seconds left.
- The Pelicans traded an unprotected 2026 first-round pick to move up to No. 13 for Queen, and his breakout drew praise from coach James Borrego as the rookie referenced preseason doubts.