Spurs handle Mavericks, 96-109 with strong team effort.

As the timeless rival Mavericks arrived at the AT&T Center, the Spurs rolled into a strong team effort. Evan Fournier scored 20 points with 8 assists & 3 steals. Brandon Ingram had 20 points, 8 rebounds on a slick 9-12 shooting stroke. Andre Drummond dominated the paint with 23 rebounds and 20 points.

Moreover, Kent Bazemore had a solid 17 ponts, hitting three shots from deep range. Dejounte Murray had a quiet night of 11 points & 5 assists, due to Fred VanVleet dishing 8 assists of his own.

For the Mavericks, Eric Bledsoe had 16 points with 8 assists. Deni Avdija scored 16 points. Luka Doncic had a quiet outing with 15 points, going a cold 6-15 from the field. Kristaps Porzingis was an unimpressive 4-10, 1-4 3PT, for 12 points. George Hill went 4-11.

The Spurs led by as many as 26 points, due to aggressive play that netted them 16 made free throws.

In retrospect: Spurs roll past Rockets, 95-115, send them to 4-17 on the season.

The Spurs quickly put the clamps on the Rockets, crushing them by 28-12 in the 1st Quarter.

 Houston fought back to score evenly in the second quarter, but the Spurs kept a strong team effort going. Kent Bazemore had 15 points, hitting a trio of long range bombs. Alex Caruso had 12 points with 7 assists, giving Murray some rest on the sidelines with his strong play. Joe Harris had 11 points, as did Thomas Bryant with 8 rebounds.

 Fred VanVleet scored 10 points in limited action as P.J. Tucker scored 10 points on a perfect 4-4 shooting display, nailing two threes. Luka Samanic had 10 points, with Evan Fournier teasing a triple-double of 9 points, 7 rebounds & 5 assists. Also getting some rest in the blowout, Drummond & Ingram combined for 16 points and 13 rebounds.

The lone bright spot of Houston's night was Russell Westbrook. He scored 30 points, 7 rebounds & 6 assists, whereas James Harden scored just 6 points

Spurs reacquire Caldwell-Pope from Thunder with McGee, ship out Thomas Bryant & Joe Harris.

Showcasing a strong start to his season, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope caught the eye of R.C. Buford as it did once before, having been a complimentary financial asset in the landmark Kawhi Leonard/Brandon Ingram deal four years ago. Caldwell-Pope had begun to show improvement after a rocky start in San Antone, before being shipped mid-season to the Suns in the trade that got the Spurs T.J. Warren, another player that is no longer with the team. Such is the nature of roster shakeups in today's league.

KCP has shot 45% from 3PT territory so far this season with the gritty OKC Thunder, and he also brings defensive talent back to the Spurs. For the Thunder, they receive a playoffs-proven talent in Joe Harris, who's had a rough start to the season and is simply not KCP on defense. Kent Bazemore was drawing a sharp eye early from team trainers, but he's come around over the last few games to edge out Harris, with Bazemore also offering more defensive upside to supplement streaky scoring swings. KCP will wear #2 with the Spurs, his old high school number with the Greenville, Georgia Patriots.

Also shipping to Oklahoma City is Thomas Bryant, who just never figured it out with the Spurs. He has a nice touch shooting the rock, but just wasn't the defensive or athletic backup center the Spurs lost when they acquired him for Jarrett Allen despite being a rim-running five. Bryant will likely shine in OKC, with more time to play without Andre Drummond towering over him in the rotation. Much like when they had to part with Allen, San Antonio is also free from the burden of 'to sign or not sign' Bryant, who will be a free agent next summer. Allen received the same treatment, with Bryant having one more "prove-it" year by comparison, but Thomas just didn't do enough to stick around. The highlight of his play this season so far was a 22 point, 10 rebound performance.

Coming with KCP is JaVale McGee, who was rendered superfluous by the acquisition of Bryant, considering that OKC has Jakob Poetl challenging for that starting center role, off to a strong season. Behind them the Thunder also has Bismack Biyombo, also an ex-Spur, with McGee's stats additionally not being anything of merit to warrant a stay in OKC. By losing Harris, the Spurs will need someone else to come through in the clutch, as Harris set a new playoff league record with 12 three-pointers last season. But as the slogan goes, if it's not working out, something's gotta give and Harris will also relish more of a playing opportunity in OKC. McGee will have a no-nonsense coach in Popovich, encouraging consistent play from the traditional center, who had a nice season with the Lakers two years ago. They basically get Jarrett Allen back, without the significant youth or upside, but also without the financial burden" and with McGee having another year on his contract for next season as well if it pans out.

Breaking News: James Harden dealt to 76ers in blockbuster deal for Joel Embiid.

"The Beard", superstar scorer of the Houston Rockets, has been acquired by the Philadelphia 76ers, who've been second-best two seasons in a row. Consensus response by fans and basketball analysts says the Sixers have showed their hand and it's clear they are going ALL-IN to snag the Larry O'Brien trophy away from the powerhouse San Antonio Spurs dynasty. They got one win in last year's meeting, one better than the year prior, but they've got to win four games against the Spurs, should they meet for a third time. That meeting could come before the NBA Finals, however, as the board of governors approved only the best 16 teams by-record to make the playoffs.

By pairing Harden with Ben Simmons, who won league MVP two years ago, Philly gains another MVP winner and arguably one of the league's best scorers ever. Ball handling duties will be alleviated from Simmons in favor of Harden, but unlike Harden's time in Houston, he will also have some help making plays on the court. The Sixers have likely not forgotten that Simmons fouled out of the epic double-overtime Game 5 of last year's Finals, and having Harden on the floor will help avoid that problem again and Harden's knack for drawing fouls on the opposition will also benefit the 76ers in close games.

Losing Joel Embiid is a tough pain to swallow, but coming with Harden is Eric Gordon, a more proven veteran shooter than Shake Milton, who is en route to Houston along with Al Horford's services. Clint Capela will pick up the slack in Embiid's departure, with free agent acquisition Julius Randle able to back him up off the bench. Tobias Harris is able to slide back to his natural stretch four position, as will Simmons at the 3 spot, with Harden taking the PG reigns. Much of Philly's fan-base has often expressed disagreement and frustration with Simmons trying to do so many things, live up to so much expectation. Likewise, Harden escapes an impatient-turned-scornful eye in Rockets fan base for not coming through in the post-season, despite strong regular season accomplishments. Hopefully, both players can crack the code by coming together to win big under the brightest lights.

For the woeful Houston Rockets, they got blasted again by the Spurs despite a strong showing by Westbrook, dropping to 4-17 on the season. Luke Walton was canned as coach, with Sam Cassell taking over the reigns, signaling a turnover in roster construction. By pairing Russell Westbrook with Joel Embiid, Houston moves away from the D'Antoni small-ball era, a similar approach to Westbrook's time with Steven Adams in OKC. Shake Milton gets time to develop his scoring game under less scrutiny and it's clearly Westbrook's team.

Spurs escape OKC in turbulent series, 116-115 then 97-100 in second game.

The OKC Thunder put the breaks on a good start for the Spurs, but somehow the third-quarter stalwarts of San Antonio pulled through to win the 3rd Quarter, 37-20, erasing what was once an 18 point advantage and 16 at halftime, 46-62.

33-33 was the scoring stalemate in the final quarter, as both teams tied the other in the rebounding column. OKC's bench devoured the Spurs 38-13, but OKC missed five free throws. To the Spurs' benefit, they did shoot 53% within striking distance of OKC's 55% for the game, hitting a trio more of three-pointers that proved to be the difference tonight.

Terrence Ross (19 points, 8 assists, 4-4 3PT) hit a 3PTer at the buzzer, but the game was already over, as Dejounte Murray iced free throws at the line as part of his 30 points, 6 assists, 7 steals (a new career-high mark) stat line. In the win, Brandon Ingram had 35 points, 6 rebounds & 7 assists of his own, hitting on a stellar 15-26 shots from the field. Fred VanVleet came to life at the best time, burying six threes for 22 points & 6 assists to go with 2 steals. Andre Drummond had 12 points, 22 rebounds.

For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 13 points & 10 assists. Precious Achiuwa had 22 points.

The second go-around in this MLB-style series also went to the Spurs, but not after another late rally by the Thunder once the Spurs had seized a strong lead due to Andre Drummond (29 points, 17 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 blocks). Brandon Ingram had 18 points, with Kent Bazemore showing promise with 14 points. Fred VanVleet dished 9 assists and nabbed 5 impressive steals. Evan Fournier had 13 points. The Spurs held a scoring edge all game long, winning the 1st Quarter by 27-20, the second by 20-17 before OKC dead-evened the 3rd Quarter before a 34-27 run in the 4th, albeit too late. Achiuwa led OKC with 23 points & 8 rebounds. Jakob Poetl had a strong 19 points, 19 rebounds. Gilgeous-Alexander had a rough showing, though, going 2-10 with 9 awful turnovers.

Spurs take the 'W' in first meeting against Giannis & Golden State, 97-116.

 

"I had a hot hand tonight and helped us get a big win against another contender, so it feels good," said Evan Fournier after scorching the Warriors for 36 points, hitting six 3PT daggers with 7 rebounds--a new career-high tally for Fournier.

 Not to be outdone by too much, Brandon Ingram delivered 30 points of his own on a sound shooting night. Dejounte Murray dished 14 assists with 16 points as well, notching 2 steals. Andre Drummond had some foul difficulty with four whistles, but still claimed 11 boards & 3 crucial blocks throughout the game.

Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo snatched the lead away, if only for a moment, streaking with finesse downwind for 26 points & 12 rebounds with 2 steals for the Warriors. Steph Curry had a cold shooting night, not on his game to score just 7 points, surrendering 5 turnovers. Andrew Wiggins also had a quiet night with just 9 points. The Greek Freak will need more help next time around, as the Spurs dominated the 4th Quarter, 34-19 to pull away after a neck-and-neck face-off.

The Rest: San Antonio won the 1st, 32-24; Golden State won 34-28 in the 2nd, with the Spurs edging 22-20 in the 3rd. The Warriors only hit three 3PTers, and that won't get it done in today's league.

Spurs top Kings, 108-98 to spoil Gordon's nice game.

Aaron Gordon had 24 points, 5 rebounds & 6 assists with 4 steals, and the Kings won the 4th Quarter, 34-20, but it was not enough as the Spurs team-oriented production sealed the road win. Richaun Holmes scored 17 points, 10 rebounds behind Gordon. But the Spurs defensive approach paid off greatly, as Marvin Bagley III struggled for the first time in recent memory against San Antone, finishing with just 8 points. Meanwhile, Lonzo Ball had just 7 points and 7 assists.

For the Spurs, Evan Fournier put in a sharp performance of 18 points on 8-11 shooting with five assists. Andre Drummond nearly got another triple-double of 18 points, 16 rebounds & 6 assists with 5 monstrous blocks. Brandon Ingram sizzled for 17 points & 8 rebounds. Kent Bazemore showed some strides with 12 points and Murray chipped in 11 points.

The Spurs led by 32 points at one period in the game.

Spurs roll past Jazz, 110-95.

Rookie Jemayn Brakefield scored 14 points, with Drummond's 19 rebounds & 13 points down low helping the Spurs cruise to a road victory behind 22 points & 13 impressive boards by Brandon Ingram.

The Spurs crushed Utah, 29-12 in the 1st Quarter leading the game by as much as 33 points, as this rivalry may now be in the rear-view mirror before long.

For the Jazz, Donovan Mitchell had just 16 points on an 0-5 outing from the perimeter. Mike Conley was a chilly 3-10, as the replacements for Rudy Gobert, Iviva Zubac & Montrez Harrell combined for just 15 points.

Drummond earns triple-double in win over Rockets, 103-93.

The Rockets shot just 44%, hitting just 8 threes as they went down early at home against the Spurs, boosted by a huge downpour from Andre Drummond, whose triple-double of 16 points, 26 rebounds & 10 assists was the spectacle of the evening.

 Otherwise, Ingram scored 17 points with VanVleets 16 points to go with 15 by Murray & another 15 by Thomas Bryant. For Houston, Russell Westbrook had just 16 points with 4 steals, but a cold night was in store for James Harden, who shot 0-5 from long range.

San Antonio led by as many as 22 points. Coach Pop said after the game, "Dre's passing is really starting to reach that next level. Reminds me of one of my coaches, can't remember his name. The really tall one," as Tim Duncan rose an eyebrow on the sideline.

Murray has career passing night as Spurs cruise past Blazers, 115-125.

The Spurs cruised to an easy home victory, drowning the Blazers 36-19 in the 1st Quarter and 36-23 in the 2nd Quarter, leading by as many as 34 points. Dejounte Murray drove the scoring attack, dishing the ball in a magical performance for a new career-high 21 assists.

 The Spurs won the glass, 49-39, suffocating Portland with 10 team blocks in an impressive showing by Thomas Bryant (4 blocks, 7 points). Murray finished with 22 points and two steals. Andre Drummond couldn't get a lot of easy shots to fall, but kept grinding away for 20 points as he ate up 15 rebounds with 3 blocks. Fred VanVleet dropped 18 points, hitting a trio of deep range bombs. Brandon Ingram glided his way 18 points & 7 rebounds with 2 steals. Kent Bazemore combined with Evan Fournier & rookie Jemayn Brakefield for 30 points.

Notably, the Trail Blazers did fight back in the 4th Quarter once the Spurs pulled its star power from the game, winning it 46-29 to only lose by ten points. C.J. McCollum had 16 points, as did Jusuf Nurkic (10 rebounds). Damian Lillard was hounded all game long, scoring just 14 points with 7 assists. Cam Reddish had 10 points and it appeared as if LaMarcus Aldridge's best days were behind him, scoring ten points with his old team.

 

Spurs wreak revenge on Clippers, outplay them late to win 84-91.

 

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...

 

Magic stun Spurs, 92-97.

The Spurs unraveled late, committing 14 turnovers by buzzer's call, unable to score against a tough-and-young Orlando squad, despite holding a comfortable lead and shooting well for most of the game. The Magic went on a huge scoring run, owning the 4th Quarter with a 36-21 scoring advantage.

#13 pick in last year's draft, Killian Hayes, had 16 points making up for a quiet outing by De'Aaron Fox (12pts, 9asts) and Zach LaVine (12 points, 4-14 FG). #3 pick in 2019, Jaxson Hayes, had 12 points. DeMarr DeRozan scord 10 points, but also was cold going 5-12. Mo Bamba chipped in 10 points, just enough to get by San Antonio as Orlando's bench devoured San Antonio's, 41-14.

In a game they should have won, Brandon Ingram had 29 points going 10-16 with 2 steals. Fred VanVleet continued to look amazing with 19 points and hitting 5 threes, approaching 50% on the season thus far. Evan Fournier had 11 points against his former team. Andre Drummond struggled to score, just 6 points on a 3-10 night.

Spurs top Kings late under pressure, win 111-116.

Lonzo Ball (10 points, 13 assists) spearheaded the Sacramento Kings into a fierce road effort and Marvin Bagley, III, was nearly so clutch enough at the basket (and at the free throw line) to defeat the Spurs on their home court. But then Dejounte Murray dunked clean over Richaun Holmes under defensive pressure, with 47s left to go in regulation.

After Evan Fournier buried two free throws to take a two-point lead, Andre Drummond got a highlight-worthy block on Bagley during Sacramento's last meaningful play, ensuring a tough victory after a tenuous test of will. The Spurs hit free throws to close it out from there.

Brandon Ingram led the Spurs with 18 points. Ingram also had two steals. Dejounte Murray dished 11 assists with 16 points, nabbing two steals of his own. Evan Fournier performed sharply for San Antone, finishing with 16 points. Fred VanVleet helped with 14 points & 8 assists as secondary playmaker, hitting two threes. Andre Drummond had only 8 points, but towered over the glass with 21 rebounds. P.J. Tucker combined with Alex Caruso for 18 points.

Meanwhile, Bagley, III, had 27 points & 11 rebounds. Lou Williams sparked Sac-Town's road rage with 17 points. Harrison Barnes combined with Furkan Korkmaz for 22 points.

Spurs recuperate to defeat Suns, 105-114.

The rival Suns touched down in Texas, tangling with a strong Spurs showing led by Evan Fournier's 22 points (8-12 FG%, 4-6 3PT). Brandon Ingram had 22 points & 11 rebounds, but Drummond still led the Spurs on the glass with 12 rebounds, 13 points. Dejounte Murray figured it out, forgetting the bitter loss in Charlotte last night to score 21 points & 13 assists. Fred VanVleet staggered here and there, but still manaaged 14 points (4-7 3PT).

For Phoenix, DeAndre Ayton had 26 points & 17 rebounds, once again causing rumors to flourish and strengthen the "best player on the Suns" debate. Meanwhile, Devin Booker had 23 points, showing off a more versatile game with athletic dunks and layups in traffic, hitting from mid range at times.

Ayton hit a couple of 3PT shots, but San Antonio's strategy paid off to give him space and keep him outside of the paint. Dario Saric scored 18 points, Kelly Oubre, Jr, had 10 points & Ricky Rubio dished 11 assists. 

However, Khris Dunn & Mikal Bridges shot 2-12 as a pair for the Suns. Despite the loss, Phoenix did win the 3rd Quarter, 31-22 to make a game of it in the 4th, albeit in defeat as they only hit 5-25 from deep.

 

Rhythmless Spurs lose in Charlotte, 96-104.

The Hornets looked like the team of yesteryear in the first half, trailing by as many as 18 points, but reignited their homestand in the 3rd Quarter with a mountainous 42-18 beat-down of the Spurs, going on to win a close 4th Quarter, 22-24.

#3 overall pick, Evan Mobley, 7'0", shined brightly for the Charlotte Hornets tonight with 21 points. Jonas Valanciunas had 24 points & 9 rebounds. Tim Hardaway, Jr, dropped 2 points, P.J. Washington had 11 points & Colin Sexton had 10 points with 12 assists. Danilo Gallinari had 19 points & 11 rebounds.

Dejounte Murray (24 points) had the makings of a strong game, but couldn't quite put it all together despite getting the Spurs within a basket late before Charlotte pulled away in the final two minutes. Brandon Ingram combined with Murray well on the fast break for 27 points, 6 rebounds & 5 assists with 2 blocks, and Kent Bazemore was hot for 16 points, but Andre Drummond struggled against Charlotte's front-court for just 16 rebounds, 10 points. The Spurs had 15 turnovers as a unit, uncharacteristically so. Its best shooters, VanVleet & Harris, also went cold from the perimeter, nailing the road defeat coffin shut.

Spurs hold off Pistons, 100-106.

Off to a hot start this season, Brandon Ingram continued to be a scoring machine for the Spurs with 32 points. Fred VanVleet showed some upswing with 18 points & 6 assists, one of many Spurs players off to a rocky start conversely. Evan Fournier had another good game with 15 points. Dejounte Murray didn't score much but dished 10 assists, with Andre Drummond cleaning the glass with 14 boards, 6 blocks & 9 points.

Kyle Kuzma is starting to develop a comfort zone with his new squad, scoring 17 points to lead the Pistons on a 33-22 scoring run in the final quarter. It was a 3PTer by P.J. Tucker that sealed the win for the Spurs late, after Cole Anthony (10 points, 9 assists) made a layup to cut the lead within three points.

Hassan Whiteside outplayed Drummond for 28 points, 20 rebounds with 3 blocks, gelling smoothly with his new team. Jerami Grant was also recently acquired from the Denver Nuggets, scoring 18 points & 8 rebounds. Ex-Spur, Taurean Prince, scored 11 points tonight, but John Wall shot 3-10 & Kuzma was a cold 1-7 from long range, despite having a lot of gumption and firing away with the game up in the air.

Spurs survive draught in 3rd and recover at MSG to win big, 115-97.

The Spurs surrendered a momentary lead to the New York Knicks in the 3rd Quarter, who boasted #2 pick Ziare Williams. Williams (7 points, 6 rebounds) had some exciting play against Jaemyn Brakefield (6 points), with LaMelo Ball (10 points, 10 assists) setting up R.J. Barrett's big night of 31 points. Brandon Ingram had a slow first half, but excelled in transition to finish with 23 points. Ingram's lack of scoring oomph in the first half was hidden well by strong play from Andre Drummond (12 points, 19 rebounds) & Evan Fournier (18 points, 5 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks).

For the Knicks, Mitchell Robinson had 17 points with 5 rebounds but was out-muscled by Drummond. Draymond Green had an awful showing with 4 points, 7 rebounds. 

The Spurs won the 4th Quarter, 37-27, recovering strongly with 14 points by Dejunte Murray, 11 points by Thomas Bryant & 27 points between Caruso, Bazemore, Samanic & Harris.