Popovich plays key players despite back-to-back and history of resting them…
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NBA Season Preview 2014/15 San Antonio Spurs
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Rockets rout Spurs: (Video) Houston too strong for short-handed San Antonio.
The San Antonio Spurs upset the odds on Tuesday night as they secured an impressive road win against the Golden State Warriors at the ORACLE Arena.
The Spurs (4-3) came into this game off the back of stunning the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center, and it appeared as though they took their rhythm and execution into this one with Tony Parker leading the way with 28 points and seven assists.
Coach Gregg Popovich opted against resting his stars on a back-to-back and they delivered with Kawhi Leonard adding 19 points.
“I’m really proud of them. Back-to-backs are difficult for an older team, but I thought they really showed a lot of focus and played with a purpose,” Popovich said.
Klay Thompson scored 29 points while Harrison Barnes had 22 points and eight rebounds for the hosts, but it wasn’t enough for them to avoid a first home defeat of the season.
Staying in the Western Conference, the Memphis Grizzlies ground out a win over the Los Angeles Lakers, with Kobe Bryant setting a new record for most missed field goals in an NBA career.
Mike Conley scored 23 points while the Grizzlies had a strong showing from their bench as they held off a late rally from the visitors to hold on to the win.
Bryant ended the game with 28 points, but he shot 10 of 26 from the field and surpassed Boston Celtics great John Havlicek for the most missed field goals in an NBA career.
The Dallas Mavericks secured a win over the Sacramento Kings behind 23 points and seven rebounds from Dirk Nowitzki, which was enough to hold off Rudy Gay who filled the stat sheet with 26 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.
There was also a win for the Portland Trail Blazers with point guard Damian Lillard starring with 29 points, seven assists and four rebounds.
However, the Blazers were forced to claw back from a 23-point deficit and withstand a video review of the final shot before enjoying their victory over the Charlotte Hornets.
Over in the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Raptors continue to lead the way after improving to 7-1 with a win over the Orlando Magic at the Air Canada Centre.
Kyle Lowry scored 19 points and added seven assists and six rebounds in another all-round impressive performance, however, the Raptors were forced to erase an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to come through.
Nevertheless, it is perhaps a positive aspect of Dwane Casey’s team that they are developing a habit of winning tough games without playing particularly well, and they will hope that continues throughout the season.
NBA Results:
Orlando Magic 100-104 Toronto Raptors
Los Angeles Lakers 102-107 Memphis Grizzlies
Oklahoma City Thunder 78-85 Milwaukee Bucks
Sacramento Kings 98-106 Dallas Mavericks
Charlotte Hornets 100-102 Portland Trail Blazers
San Antonio Spurs 113-100 Golden State Warriors
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