Spurs vs. Lakers, Final Score: Spurs blow another big lead, lose 116-112

The Spurs just can’t seem to close out games lately.

Another game, another blown double-digit second-half lead, another loss for the Spurs in what has become a troubling trend over the last month. Often lacking a go-to guy down the stretch, in this case both Kawhi Leonard or LaMarcus Aldridge, the Spurs once again blew it in the final moments of a game in which they had control over the Lakers for much of the night.

The game-turning moment was just inside the five-minute mark. First, Gregg Popovich got another technical for arguing with the refs during a timeout. Then, the refs missed a defensive goal-tending call on the Lakers’ ten-day contract player Travis Ware, and they took advantage on the other end with a quick a three to make it just a two-point game after the Spurs had led by as much as much as 13 in the fourth quarter. As was the case in previous losses, the Spurs lost all composure down the stretch as Lonzo Ball lit it up from three, and the result was a 116-112 loss.

Julius Randle had 25 points to lead six Lakers in double figures, while Pau Gasol led six Spurs with 19.

Random Observations

• The Lakers’ jerseys are such a bright yellow I almost needed sunglasses to watch this game.
• This was the Spurs 22nd different starting line-up of the season.
• What’s a Spurs game this season without another injury? Manu took a shoulder from Isaiah Thomas on his already bruised sternum in the second quarter. He left for the locker room, but fortunately he soon returned to the bench and re-entered the game later in the quarter.
• Davis Bertans passed Tony Parker for second-most three pointers in his first two years with the Spurs with 145. He’ll need 67 more to catch Gary Neal at 212.
• Every Spur who played in the first half scored except Murray. He made up for it by scoring the fist bucket of the second half and 12 total points.

For the Lakers Fan’s perspective, visit Silver Screen and Roll.

The Spurs return to the AT&T Center on Monday to take on the Memphis Grizzlies. Tip off will be at 7:30 PM.

Source: Pounding The Rock