SPUR-EVER: Ten Titles

The Greek Freek's triple-double almost earned the upset. The Spurs pulled away with strong play in the second and third quarters (22-29, 29-39: SA) and were able to hold on for the high-scoring home victory over their Finals foe of the last two seasons. Unlike with other teams during San Antonio's impressive win streak (12-0) out the gate, there was no sportsmanlike exchange post-buzzer tonight. To much delight for the home crowd and team, Dragan Bender erupted for 30 points and 11 rebounds, going 12-22 and hitting 4-8 from long range after a solid first quarter by Timofey Mosgov (10 points, 7 rebounds). Brandon Ingram recovered from his modest showing against the Clippers to gain 21 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists with 1 steal on a 9-16 night. Avery Bradley hammered it home past Eric Bledsoe (23 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists) early for 14 points, dunking it down hard. For the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo slow-burned his way to a triple-double, waiting too long to take...

The Spurs defeated the Clippers in Texas tonight. The Spurs led by as many as fourteen, but a brief first quarter surge by the home team was overcome by LA to end the 1st only down 23-26. San Antonio raised the defensive energy on the floor to win the second 24-33, leading by a dozen at the break after a block on Paul George led to the easy 3PTer on the fast break. A close third quarter of 30-27 (LAC) and an even closer 32-30 (also LAC) fourth quarter made for an exciting finish and promise of showdowns to come, despite an off night by Brandon Ingram & Kawhi Leonard--although the San Antonio crowd ate up the 1-on-1 exchanges throughout the contest. LA would miss five free throws during the game, ultimately losing by six, boosted by a final-minute spurt that fell short of an upset victory, trailing by only two points before Dejounte Murray--who did not have his best outing with just 9 points and 8 assists--made a tough driving layup with the foul to recuperate the lead. Patr...

Dejounte Murray shared high man honors for San Antonio on 24 points & 7 assists with Brandon Ingram going 10-14 and 3-4 from deep. Taurean Prince scored 16 points with 4 blocks, trailed closely by 15 from Avery Bradley. Timofey Mosgov had 13 points and 8 rebounds, with ex-Sun Dragan Bender looking good for 8 points and 7 rebounds with 1 steal & 1 block. The late rally was sparked by 36-26 dominance from Phoenix in the final quarter, despite getting burned in the third quarter 31-20 after a narrow first half exchange. In the loss, Devin Booker managed 21 points as he bombed in 5 threes, going 7-14. Ricky Rubio looked comfortable at the helm for Phoenix, acquired in the summer, dishing 15 assists with 18 points (also going 4-7 from 3PT range). DeAndre Ayton scored 17 points with 11 rebounds, new Sun Dario Saric had 12 points with 7 assists and Kelly Oubre Jr managed 11 points despite a cold 4-11 night. Tyler Johnson dished 7 assists with 8 points.

Terry Rozier was held to only 4 points. The Hornets hung close with the Spurs early, but a late run to end quarter one had San Antone up 31-17, as they went on to win the 2nd Quarter 27-20, truly overwhelming the road visitors from Charlotte in the third, 29-11, blowing the score wide open to lead by as much as 50 points. Shooting woes plagued the Hornets, going 32% for the game and 9% from 3PT range (3/34). Nicolas Batum went 1-7 and Marvin Williams 2-12. The Spurs weren't quite as sharp from distance, but shot 55% overall. San Antonio dominated the interior 62-22, the bench scoring 51 points as this team's new faces continue to gel and showcase their respective skills. The rest: Joe Harris hit two threes and some layups for 15 points. Dejounte Murray notched 14 points, as did Brandon Ingram in limited first half action. Taurean Prince scored 12 points with 6 rebounds. J.R. Smith fired it up from deep, knocking down three daggers for 12 points. Avery Bradley scored 1 ...