Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jilFle0ibQE
The San Antonio Spurs had an uncharacteristic first half on Friday. But keep stops down the stretch in the second half would be key as the Silver and Black stayed perfect on the road.
LaMarcus Aldridge scored 23 points as he led the Spurs to a 116-107 over the Los Angeles Lakers inside the Staples Center on Friday night.
Kawhi Leonard had a double-double, scoring 23 points and pulling down 12 rebounds. Tony Parker added 16 points and seven assists and Pau Gasol chipped in 16 points for San Antonio, who won their fifth straight.
San Antonio struggled in the first half by turning the ball over, despite having a 13-point lead. A late run by the Lakers would tie the game up heading into the second half. The Silver and Black came out firing in the third quarter, scoring 39 points and taking control of the game.
“Luke’s [Walton] done a great job of making them believe,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said of Walton. “I am just so impressed of what he has done with this group.”
The Lakers were led by Lou Williams’ 24 points. Nick Young and Jeremy Clarkson each added 20, with Clarkson scoring 16 of his 20 in the second half.
“I was proud of the way that we fought but it wasn’t consistent enough,” Walton said. “You have to be hitting on all cylinders to beat them (Spurs).”
Up next: The Spurs are now 10-3 on the season and will return to the court on Monday when they welcome the Dallas Mavericks to the AT&T Center at 7:30 p.m.