Spurs overcome 23-point deficit to beat Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder coach Billy Donovan, right, reacts as San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich reacts to a call during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Nov. 17, 2017, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 104-101. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
SAN ANTONIO — LaMarcus Aldridge had 26 points and the San Antonio Spurs overcame a 23-point deficit to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 104-101 on Friday night.
Danny Green added 17 points, and Pau Gasol had 14 points to help San Antonio end Oklahoma City’s three-game winning streak.
Aldridge put back of Green’s missed 3-pointer gave the Spurs a 102-99 lead with 24.2 seconds remaining.
The Thunder missed two 3-pointers on the ensuing possession, but Carmelo Anthony tracked down a second offensive rebound and made a 25-footer with his foot on the 3-point line to cut the lead to 102-101.
Gasol made two free throws, and Russell Westbrook stumbled to the court and threw up an airball on a 3-point attempt.
Anthony had 20 points to lead the Thunder. Westbrook was held to 15 points after scoring 10 in the opening period. He was 5 for 22 from the field.
The Spurs rallied behind their usual formula of hounding defense and 3-point shooting.
Davis Bertans hit three consecutive 3-pointers in the third quarter, tying it at 78 with 38 seconds remaining with his final 3 of the run. The 3-pointer also closed a 58-35 run after the Spurs trailed 43-20.
The Thunder closed the first quarter on an 18-2 run. The Spurs had a season-low 15 points in the opening period.
TIP-INS
Thunder: Oklahoma City entered the game leading the league in steals (10.4) and opponent turnovers (19.0). The Thunder have never finished in the top five in either category since leaving Seattle. … Westbrook, Anthony and George have split game-high scoring honors throughout the season. George has led six times and Westbrook and Anthony have done so on five occasions each. … Nick Collinson did not play for the 14th time this season. The 15-year veteran played five minutes in his only appearance of the season.
Spurs: Kawhi Leonard, who has not played this season, remained out with right quadriceps tendinopathy. There is no timeline on his return. … Tony Parker worked out with Spurs shooting guru Chip Engelland during morning workouts as he rehabilitates from quadriceps surgery. … Kyle Anderson stayed in the lineup after getting hit in the jaw while battling for a rebound under the Thunder’s basket with three minutes remaining in the game. … San Antonio’s previous low in the opening quarter was 17 points at Dallas on Nov. 14.
UP NEXT
Thunder: Visit New Orleans on Monday night in their first game against the Pelicans after sweeping last season’s series.
Spurs: Host Atlanta on Monday night before embarking on a two-game trip.
