The Spurs evened up the season series with the rival Clippers and rallied down the stretch courtesy of terrific defensive moments in a feelgood home court victory. Brandon Ingram swatted James Johnson late, then Andre Drummond (25 points, 16 rebounds, 4 blocks) blotted Patrick Beverley's floater out of the sky before racing downcourt for the alley-oop slam through the net. Trying to respond, Kawhi Leonard couldn't hit from long range effectively.
Fred VanVleet looked sharp again for 18 points, hitting four threes and sneakily nabbing four steals on the ball. The Spurs burst out to a 27-18 lead after the first quarter. Brandon Ingram had a quiet 15, shooting badly to start the game and going 6-24 overall, before eventually giving it up. Dejounte Murray had 6 steals with 5 assists, but scored just 8. Alex Caruso had two threes.
In the defeat, Kawhi Leonard had 19 points (8-14, 2-5 3PT). Paul George showed flashes for 16 points & 8 rebounds. James Johnson had twelve, with ten by Beverley and eight assists. Rudy Gobert bested the glass for 24 rebounds and two blocks, scoring ten points.
Tonight only flavored this rivalry even more...
