San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) is pressured by Brooklyn Nets forward DeMarre Carroll (9) as he tries to score during the first half of an NBA basketball game. AP
SAN ANTONIO — Kawhi Leonard scored 21 points, LaMarcus Aldridge added 20 and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Brooklyn Nets 109-97 on Tuesday (Wednesday Manila time) in their first game of the season with every player healthy and available.
San Antonio is third in the Western Conference at 24-11 despite being without Leonard and/or Tony Parker for 30 games this season.
Playing with a full roster for the first time led to some hesitation, as the Spurs scored just 19 points in the opening quarter while trying to involve all their scoring options. San Antonio settled into a rhythm, shooting 51 percent overall in capturing its 15th straight win at home over Brooklyn.
Pau Gasol added 15 points, Parker had 14 and Patty Mills and Manu Ginobili each had 11 for the Spurs.
Playing in just his fifth game, Leonard was 8 for 17 from the field in scoring a season high.
The Nets were able to keep pace early despite injuries to their top two point guards, D’Angelo Russell and Jeremy Lin.
Caris LeVert led Brooklyn with 18 points and Allen Crabbe added 15.