Meanwhile, the Spurs were down by 11 after the 1st Quarter and trailed by 27 at haltime, shooting an awful 22% from the field. They ultimately lost, 107-89, saving face as Joe Harris finally caught fire, but San Antone's shooters were all blind in one eye tonight. Fred VanVleet had a terrible game, shooting 2-10 from long range (12 points). Kent Bazemore led a brief rally that fell way short, finishing with 29 points & 7 rebounds. Joe Harris had 15 by night's end, going 5-12 from 3PT territory. Jarrett Allen had 16 rebounds with 3 blocks. Rajon Rondo had 8 points.
Coach Popovich, knowing Andre Drummond's pinched nerve situation, took the time to rest Brandon Ingram also tonight, unlike in the first meeting, so the Spurs definitely missed his contributions. San Antonio ended the game shooting 36%. A home loss was bound to happen with 82 games to play, but this one was ugly to watch. Newly activated prospects Luka Samanic & Malcolm Cazalon did not impress, tonight, and Johnathan Williams continues to struggle as the backup center with Drummond out of action.
A bright spot came from the first meeting: Brandon Ingram led the Spurs with 25 points, and a career-high 14 rebounds (10 in the first quarter!). Fred VanVleet nothched 15 points; Kent Bazemore had 9. Rondo scored 8, as did Harris. Allen Crabbe knocked down a couple of threes. Jarrett Allen had 4 blocks impressively, Wes Iwundu hit his first 3PTer as a Spur & Allen had 13 rebounds. San Antonio won 93-82, as both teams shot under 50%. For the Thunder, Adams had 23 rebounds with 14 points; Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 15 points & Chris Paul had 13 points with 7 assists. Gilgeous-Alexander only had 12 points.
In closing, another good thing for the Spurs placement in the standings is the 3-Game skid the Lakers are currently on, after losing a close one to the Spurs.
