Spurs edge Pistons in Aldridge’s home debut
San Antonio Spurs’ LaMarcus Aldridge (12) laughs with teammate Tim Duncan during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015, in San Antonio. AP
SAN ANTONIO — Kawhi Leonard scored 21 points and San Antonio fans get their first look at LaMarcus Aldridge in a home uniform as the Spurs beat the Detroit Pistons, 96-92, on Sunday for their first preseason victory.
Manu Ginobili added 15 off the bench for the Spurs, who played the fourth quarter with reserves, many fighting for a roster spot, and held off a late Pistons surge after leading by as many as 24 points in the second half.
Aldridge had only had nine points on 4-of-14 shooting in 26 minutes.
David West, also making his Spurs home debut, had eight points and three rebounds in 18 minutes.
Reggie Jackson led Detroit with 20 points and nine assists in 33 minutes, including returning for the final five minutes of the game.
SPURS: G Tony Parker did not play for ”rest and rehabilitation.” … The Spurs went 10 of 20 from 3-point range.
PISTONS: C Andre Drummond had 10 points and 13 rebounds, including 12 defensive. … F Ersan Ilyasova had 14 points but only one rebound. … F Marcus Morris, acquired in an offseason trade from Phoenix, had 10 points.
WELCOME HOME: After opening the preseason with three consecutive road games, the Spurs returned to the revamped AT&T Center, which underwent a $110 million renovation over the summer. Crews were finishing up Saturday morning and staff preparing for Sunday’s game was required to wear hard hats and goggles.
UP NEXT: Detroit hosts Charlotte on Wednesday. San Antonio hosts Phoenix on Tuesday.
