Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMNsBYehf7w
The Dallas Mavericks came into Monday’s game depleted with injuries, so it should have been easy for the San Antonio Spurs. Well, not so much. The Spurs’ play angered coach Gregg Popovich despite coming out on top.
Kawhi Leonard had 24 points and nine rebounds as the Spurs edged out the Mavericks 96-91 at the AT&T Center, going over .500 at home.
Patty Mills came off the bench to score 17 points and Pau Gasol added 16. David Lee had a solid night with 12 points for San Antonio, who won their fifth straight.
San Antonio struggled all game long with their biggest lead just of eight points. Dallas had a chance to tie the game late, but Seth Curry’s three-pointer went off the rim. Manu Ginobili sealed the game with two free throws.
LaMarcus Aldridge and Tony Parker rested despite being dressed to play.
That was a pathetic performance,” Popovich said. “It was an awful performance. They (the Mavs) deserved to win the basketball game.”
The Spurs improved to 4-3 at home, where they were 40-1 a year ago. They are undefeated on the road and are looking to bring the same success to the AT&T Center court.
“We’re not playing at home the way we are on the road,” said Ginobili.
The Mavericks were led by Curry’s career-high 23 points. Harrison Barnes and Wesley Matthews each added 20 for Dallas (2-11), who have lost their sixth straight.
Dallas was without Dirk Nowitzki (strained right Achilles), Deron Williams (strained left calf), Andrew Bogut, Devin Harris, and J.J. Barrera (strained left calf), who all did not travel with the team.
Up next: The Spurs are now 11-3 on the season and will return to the court on Wednesday when they travel to Charlotte to face the Hornets at 6 p.m. inside the Spectrum Center.
