Spurs fend off Utah to best rival Jazz a third time, 98-105.

At least there's respect between coaches, Synder & Popovich.

The Jazz stayed close, as Rudy Gobert (26 points, 23 rebounds) terrorized a rusty Spurs team--whose stars came back to the hardwood, notably post-injury Andre Drummond--but fell short as the Spurs defense forced multiple shot-clock violations due to fierce blocks.

Fred VanVleet (10 points, 7 assists) delightfully poked the ball loose, Drummond (16 rebounds, 3 blocks) dished it back to him, and he splashed in the 3PTer. Brandon Ingram (27 points) had a cold first half, but powered the Spurs to a win hitting 3-of-5 from downtown, excelling on two-man play in the fast break with Dejounte Murray (19 points, 7 assists). Having led the Spurs past the Pistons last game with 23 points, Kent Bazemore had another solid outing of 19 points, hitting three long shots.

The Rest: P.J. Tucker scored six points, getting a clutch steal down the stretch as the Spurs led by as much as fourteen. Thomas Bryant made his Spurs debut, grabbing six boards and swishing a corner 3PT shot in the 4th Quarter. Johnathan Williams caught a slick pass from Rajon Rondo, burying the elbow jumper. For Utah, Donovan Mitchell got the Jazz within striking distance in the 4th Quarter, scoring 20 points. Mike Conley dished 11 assists and scored eleven. Joe Ingles, however, went 0-4 and 2-7 overall. Utah only hit on three tries from 3PT distance, compared to 13 by the Spurs.