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Let's be honest. The Lakers never had a chance to beat San Antonio tonight. Or any night this season for that matter. Don't get me wrong, though, the Spurs' play was anything but flawless in this game. Sure, they scored a ton of points against these rag-tag Lakers but the Spurs' defensive effort was indicative of a team going through the proverbial motions and fully aware that, in the midst of a dominant 10-game winning streak, they need not fear the dwellers of the NBA's cellars.
San Antonio jumped out to an early 11 point lead in the first quarter and it looked like they might put this one away very early. But that early confidence turned into carelessness and the comfortable lead was erased by guys in Laker jerseys whose names most of you may never have heard of.
The Spurs struggled to gain separation until late in the fourth quarter, when they flipped the switch that elite teams have and ran away from the Lakers in the closing minutes on their way to the 125-109 victory.
One Laker everyone should be familiar with is Pau Gasol. He can still play, as he proved with an all-purpose line of 22 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and four blocks. Not to be outdone was Tim Duncan, who chipped in with 12 points, 16 rebounds, six assists and 3 steals. Tony Parker (25 points) and Kawhi Leonard (22) led seven Spurs in double-figure scoring and the Spurs' offense created 33 or more points in three of the game's four quarters. Again, offense is not a problem.
Your Spurs are now 51-16 on the season and the win streak is now at 11 games. Next up are the Kings in Sacramento on Friday.