San Antonio vs. Phoenix, Final Score: Spurs outclass Suns, 103-89

The young Suns were no match for the Spurs at home.

Home sweet home… at least for one night. The Spurs barely escaped New England in time to avoid Winter Storm Grayson and returned to the AT&T Center for one game before they head out on another three-game road trip, this time out West. Despite no Rudy Gay (heel), Danny Green (groin) or LaMarcus Aldridge (rest), the Spurs were expected to extend their 12 game home winning streak against an improving but young Phoenix Suns team, and they did just that.

Both teams played a mostly even first quarter before a 15-2 run spanning into the second spotted the Suns an eight-point lead. The Spurs finally woke up after a timeout and ended the half on a 23-8 run for a 48-42 lead. They continued their aggression to start the second half, getting ahead by as much as 12 before unexpected contributions from former Texas A&M Aggie Danuel House got them back within four.

However, once again the Spurs responded and gradually put the Suns away throughout the fourth quarter on the way to a 103-89 win. Manu Ginobili had plenty grandpa juice for this one, leading the way with 21 points, 3 assists and 2 steals. Kawhi Leonard also continued to look better with 21 points of his own along with 4 steals and 3 blocks. Devin Booker was held below his season average with 21 points to lead the Suns cause.

The Spurs improve to 18-2 at home and 27-13 overall.

Random Thoughts

• Early in the first quarter, Leonard had a steal and slam. Tyler Ulis followed him and easily could have caught up had he given it more than a light jog. Apparently he didn’t read the scouting report that Leonard doesn’t have his speed back yet.
• The Spurs also had trouble keeping up with the Suns on the break early. They beat the Spurs down the court a number of times, including three straight times to open the second quarter as part of that 15-2 run, which drew an angry timeout from Pop.
• Joffrey Lauvergne just can’t catch a break. He’s already dealt with a sprained ankle and dislocated finger this season, and tonight he suffered a bloody nose after banging heads with Marquese Chriss. Fortunately there ended up being no structural damage and he returned to the game. Maybe he did catch a break after all.
• In the fourth quarter, Josh Jackson got a flagrant one for grabbing Forbes around the neck on a screen. Unfortunately his uncharacteristic woes at the free throw line continued and he missed them both. Still, that didn’t stop him from 16 points on his ninth start as part of a team high plus/minus of +21.
• This play is so Manu. To make things even better, the Suns responded to this play with a three of their own…only to have Manu answer with another. Grandpa will not be outdone.

For the Suns fans’ perspective, visit Bright side of the Sun.

The Spurs return to the court on Sunday to take on the Trail Blazers in Portland. Tip-off will be at 8:00PM CT.

Source: Pounding The Rock