With Tim Duncan sitting out in the third game of a back-to-back-to-back, the San Antonio Spurs got big efforts from Tony Parker and DeJuan Blair to get their fourth straight win and rout the Philadelphia 76ers, who were missing Andre Iguodala, 93-76.
While the game stayed close in the first half with the 78ers going into halftime down three points, the Spurs’ made halftime adjustments and tightened up their defense to blow it open in the second half.
Parker lead six Spurs in double figures with 21 points and seven assists. Blair had 19 points and six rebounds.
In Retrospect
Before the game, Jeff Garcia listed five things to watch in last night’s game, most of which ended up playing a part in the game:
San Antonio has not been a kind place to play for the Sixers, who have dropped 23 of 24 in the Alamo City since the 1986-87 season and have dropped seven straight on the road to San Antonio with their last win in 2004.
- Parker enjoys playing again the 76ers. Over the past three meetings, Parker is averaging 23.3 points on 53.2% shooting.
- Sixers don’t fare well versus the West. Philly is 7-10 against Western Conference teams this season.
- Keep Philly under 100 points Spurs. Philadelphia is 12-2 when scoring 100 or more points this season.
Quotable
“They show a lot of toughness, a lot of character to do that three nights in a row with different combinations and different players playing on each night,” Popovich said. “What’s really great is that they appreciate or are happy with the success of their teammates. Whoever’s not playing isn’t hoping something bad happens so he can get in the game or anything like. They really pull for each other.”
By the numbers
11 – The Spurs limited Philadelphia to just 11 points in the fourth quarter.
14 – 76ers second half turnovers.
2 – Blocked shots each by Danny Green and Manu Ginobili.
Fantasy Focus
DeJuan Blair has now had two straight double-digit games, with 23 points against New Orleans and 19 against Philadelphia. If Splitter is out much longer and Duncan continues to have games off, Blair may be a worthwhile risk to bulk up your scoring and rebounding categories.
Danny Green also continues to contribute in several areas, including scoring, rebounding, blocks and steals. If he continues starting, he may be a nice pickup in a deep league.
Rookie Watch
Kawhi Leonard had a double-double against Philadelphia with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Justin Dentmon, recently called up from the Toros, struggled offensively, picking up two points in 12 minutes.
