San Antonio Spurs Show They Can Still Set the Standard and Tuesday NBA Takeaways
In the midst of a 2-3 start, the San Antonio Spurs appeared to be enveloped by a post-title malaise.
But as the NBA has learned throughout the course of Gregg Popovich's tenure as Spurs head coach, this isn't a team that often falls victim to lethargy.
Following an 89-85 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, the San Antonio Spurs (4-3) capped off the second night of a back-to-back by vanquishing the Golden State Warriors (5-2), 113-100.
As Yahoo Sports' Marc Spears noted following the win, the Spurs' ability to knock off two perceived Western Conference title contenders functions as a stern reminder that the defending champs continue to set the Association's gold standard:
According to ESPN's Ethan Sherwood Strauss, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reflected on San Antonio's remarkable consistency by providing a bit of mind-blowing perspective:
Although Golden State shot 54.3 percent from the field, San Antonio continually capitalized on the Warriors' miscues, generating 21 points off of 20 turnovers.
Perhaps more important was the Spurs' ability to limit the Warriors' potency from beyond the arc. As a team, Golden State shot 35 percent (7-of-20) from three while Stephen Curry missed all seven of his long-range attempts.
According to ESPN Stats and Info, Tuesday marked the first time in 75 games that Curry failed to convert at least one three-point shot:
In typical San Antonio fashion, a balanced, collective effort propelled the Spurs to their fourth win of the season.
While six Warriors players logged at least 20 minutes, the Spurs trotted out eight contributors who met that benchmark as five San Antonio scorers finished in double figures.
Tony Parker led the way with 28 points (11-of-17 shooting) and seven assists while Kawhi Leonard chipped in 19 points (7-of-11 shooting) and six rebounds.
Tim Duncan also recorded his fifth double-double in six games by compiling 12 points and 13 rebounds. According to NBA TV, Duncan also became the 11th player in league history to pull down 14,000 rebounds:
The Spurs' bench was remarkable, as well, outscoring Golden State's second unit, 40-20, thanks in part to 17 points from Manu Ginobili.
With such a reaffirming, well-rounded performance, the Spurs sent a message: Not only is the Western Conference their domain to reign over until further notice, but even the most respected challengers will need to make tremendous strides before they're capable of toppling a dynasty.
As Parker told reporters, according to the San Antonio Express-News' Jeff McDonald, the Spurs are officially ready to roll:
And that's bad news for the rest of the Western Conference.
Having exorcised their apathetic demons, the Spurs will now be treated to a three-game stretch against the Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings and Philadelphia 76ers that tips off Friday at 10 p.m. ET.
Around the Association
Kobe Makes History as Lakers Fall to Grizzlies
Kobe Bryant became the NBA's all-time leader in missed field goals as the Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Memphis Grizzlies, 107-102, according to ESPN.com's Baxter Holmes:
But as Holmes noted, context is important. By examining the company Bryant keeps, it's pretty clear this isn't an infamous record that can taint his legacy:
Furthermore, Kobe didn't seem to think much of the record-setting performance, according to Holmes:
"I asked Kobe about setting NBA all-time record for missed FGs. “Oh yeah?” He said he didn’t know. “Nah, I don’t follow that stuff, man."
— Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) November 12, 2014"
Bryant finished with a game-high 28 points on 10-of-26 shooting while six Grizzlies players finished in double figures. Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph were held in check throughout, managing eight and 11 points, respectively, while Mike Conley led the way with 23 points on 7-of-16 shooting.
Dirk Passes Hakeem in Mavericks Win
Dirk Nowitzki surpassed Hakeem Olajuwon and became the highest-scoring international player in NBA history by dropping 23 points in the Dallas Mavericks' 106-98 win against the Sacramento Kings.
Nowitzki also moved into ninth place on the league's all-time scoring list by passing Olajuwon, according to Sports Illustrated's Ben Golliver:
As NBA TV's Tas Melas noted, Nowitzki is likely to vault past a couple other legends before the season ends:
Sacramento has now lost back-to-back games after ripping off five-straight wins.
Lillard, Aldridge Carry Portland in Thriller
The Portland Trail Blazers secured a 102-100 win over the Charlotte Hornets despite trailing by as many as 23 points after officials waved off Gary Neal's game-tying field-goal attempt at the buzzer.
Here's how close Neal was to sending the game to overtime, according to Sporting News' Dane Carbaugh:
"Gary Neal baaaaaaarely misses tying it at the buzzer. https://t.co/7qRVWK5oJF
— Dane Carbaugh (@danecarbaugh) November 12, 2014"
For just the second time this season, Damian Lillard shot better than 50 percent from the field, finishing with a game-high 29 points on 12-of-21 shooting (5-of-8 from three) to go with seven assists and two steals. LaMarcus Aldridge added 25 points (10-of-21 shooting), 14 rebounds and three assists.
Lance Stephenson totaled 14 points and 14 rebounds while Al Jefferson led all Charlotte scorers with 22 points on 9-of-18 shooting in the loss.
Reggie Jackson's Career-High Can't Buoy Thunder
Reggie Jackson scored a career-high 29 points on 12-of-21 shooting, but the Oklahoma City Thunder's offense floundered in an 85-78 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. As a team, the Thunder shot 33.3 percent from the field and 30 percent from deep.
The Bucks (4-4), led by 19 bench points from O.J. Mayo, improved to .500 after winning back-to-back contests for the first time in more than 100 games, according to Fox Sports Wisconsin (via Sean Grande on Twitter):
According to NBA.com, the Bucks rank second behind only the Houston Rockets in defensive efficiency through eight games, surrendering 94.2 points per 100 possessions.
Oklahoma City (2-6) has now lost four of its last five games dating back to Nov. 3.
Toronto Improves to 7-1
The Toronto Raptors mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback, outscoring the Orlando Magic, 32-17, in the final frame to capture a fifth straight win.
Kyle Lowry was tops on the Raptors with 19 points and seven dimes, but Dwane Casey's bench really shone in the win. Lou Williams tallied 14 points (5-of-8 shooting) in 16 minutes, while James Johnson pulled down 10 rebounds in 22 minutes off the pine.
As CBS Sports' James Herbert reported, Johnson's teammates appreciate his intensity:
Evan Fournier scored a team-high 24 points on 9-of-18 shooting (4-of-7 from three) for Orlando, while Tobias Harris posted a monster line highlighted by 23 points (8-of-16 shooting), 13 rebounds and five assists.
Quote of the Night
The Spurs may have captured their second impressive win in as many nights, but Popovich isn't basking in the glow of San Antonio's renewed success:
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