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 ...

For this rivalry, nothing has changed. Kevin Durant is a Brooklyn Net, Klay Thompson was in street clothes at AT&T Center in San Antonio and D'Angelo Russell had a rough night, yet this rivalry endures to the surprise and delight of the NBA world. The Spurs led 29-25 after quarter one, trouncing the Warriors in the second which forced Coach Kerr to burn two timeouts to stop the bleeding (San Antone led by as many as 18). It worked, and things got cooking real good in the second half. With Avery Bradley (8 points, 4 steals) in his grill, Steph Curry splashed in a 3PTer that gave Golden State a momentary lead, its only to be had in the game as the Spurs quickly regained control, albeit within Golden State's range to upset the home team. Bradley's competitive fire was on display, hounding Curry into a couple of turnovers and being aggressive on the scoring end. Joe Harris had a hot night to finish with 18 points, splashing in six daggers in the clutch with 3 steals. ...

At halftime, the Celtics were shooting 37%, somehow only down by four points, and were it not for Brandon Ingram catching fire for 28 points and 8 rebounds with 1 steal & 1 block, Boston may have pulled off a comeback at home. Kemba Walker was chilly from the floor, but topped out at 25 points (8-19, 3-8 3PT) with 11 assists. Jaylen Brown had 21 points but also went 4-11 from long range, as Gordon Hayward still struggled to show signs of his Utah form post-injury going 4-12 and 2-8 from long range. Other new arrival Enes Kanter had 12 rebounds and 9 points. Jayson Tatum had a quiet night with just 8 points, never finding a rhythm. The Spurs blew the lead open in the third quarter by outscoring Boston 31-21, led by Ingram (11-19, 3-8 3PT). P.J. Tucker dropped 15 points, hitting three long shots. Jarrett Allen notched 10 points and 6 rebounds. Timofey Mosgov hoisted down 12 rebounds with 8 points, as Taurean Prince and Dejounte Murray combined for 16 points with 9 assists by San ...

Indiana came close, but fell at home tonight. The Spurs found themselves in a close battle against the Pacers, but finally got going after a chilly night overall from the perimeter. Joe Harris hit four 3PTers by the final buzzer to oil up the wheels here and there, with Avery Bradley, Brandon Ingram & Dejounte Murray making hustle plays and great defensive movements to hold on for the tough victory in Hoosiers territory. Murray got two clutch steals on both Victor Oladipo and new Pacer T.J. McConnell in the game, as Ingram blocked Myles Turner on a layup attempt as the Pacers cut the lead back to five, after an 8-0 eruption by San Antonio that ultimately won the game. Malcolm Brogdon (7-16) had 22 points with 5 assists, welcomed to the Pacers from Milwaukee, as Oladipo scored 17 points back from injury (6-16). Myles Turner did have an impressive night, fresh off the big money extension, for 15 points and 19 rebounds with 2 blocks. Kyle Anderson nearly had a triple-double (14 ...