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| DeAndre Ayton would not take no for an answer. |
Ricky Rubio had 11 points, 5 assists with Frank Kaminsky III notching 10 points with 8 rebounds.
The Spurs had clutch execution throughout the game, trying to seal the victory, but ultimately lost control after a strong 4th Quarter rally by the bloodthirsty Suns: 28-33. Previously, the Spurs had edged ahead 24-15 in the 3rd.
Despite poor shooting, Phoenix had the impressive win tonight, shooting 48% overall and 33% from long range, compared to the Spurs going 50% and 41% from deep. Sadly, the Spurs had 10 uncharacteristic turnovers with only nine free-throw attempts that made it tough to stifle Phoenix's fierce tempo. Brandon Ingram had 19 points, hitting a trio of long shots, with Bazemore also on fire for 18 points (4 threes) with 6 assists. Fred VanVleet notched 15 points, with Murray dropping 13 points & 6 assists. Drummond had 16 rebounds with 4 blocks, a big reason why the Spurs won the 3rd Quarter.
It all went downhill once the Suns took a 1-PT advantage, then nailed four free throws. The Spurs arguably chose wrong, not fouling late but not being rewarded by missing a rebound after a missed shot by Booker late in the shot clock. Fred VanVleet got a great look, and Coach Popovich called for a replay review of the final buzzer-beating swish, but VanVleet's right foot was just barely on the line, a shot that would've sent the game into OverTime.
"Ah, we can't put this loss on Fred. He played tremendously. His defense is just excellent; I've been very impressed by his play so far in his first season so far with us. We just gave them too many chances," Coach Pop said post-game, going on to note three missed shots late as the Spurs failed to capitalize on offensive rebounds by Drummond. "We've got to find ways to involve Andre more, especially when our perimeter play goes dry on us. Plus, streaks are meant to be broken, right?"
In defeat, the Spurs fall to 16-1, not the outcome they wanted as the Lakers come to San Antone next.
