THE San Antonio Spurs rode a late surge and held on to beat the Atlanta Hawks, 107-99, and tie the Golden State Warriors for the NBA’s best record on Monday (Tuesday, Manila time) at the AT&T Center.
After seeing a 13-point third quarter lead cut to two early in the fourth, the Spurs went on a 13-4 run to take a 102-91 advantage with 1:36 to play. The Hawks, though, still fought back and got within six with 38 ticks left. But Kawhi Leonard sealed the win with clutch free throws as San Antonio ended Atlanta’s three-game win streak.
With their second straight win and the Warriors on a three-game slide, the Spurs now share the league’s top spot with a 52-14 record
Leonard led all scorers in his return from a concussion with 31 points, and Patty Mills added 15 markers. Danny Green and David Lee, who started for LaMarcus Aldridge (out indefinitely with a minor heart condition), scored 14 apiece.
San Antonio made a season-high 16 3-pointers in its 19th straight home victory over Atlanta.
Dennis Schroder had a double-double of 22 points and 10 assists for the Hawks (37-30). Tim Hardaway Jr scored 17 off the bench, while Paul Millsap added 16 markers.