Spurs vs Celtics, Final Score: Spurs hold off Celtics, 108-105

The Spurs quickly found themselves down 7-2 after the Celtics got off to a good start offensively. Pop called a time out about halfway through the first, but the struggles continued and SA needed another one after falling down 18-8. Two threes from Kawhi Leonard late in the quarter, part of an 11-3 Spurs run, put SA back in it. The second unit, with Kawhi, was able to gain the lead, and the Spurs had a 29-27 advantage going into the second.

The bench unit continued to produce to begin the second and extended the lead to six as the starters began to sprinkle back into the line up, but Avery Bradley was able to keep the Celtics in the game, who had 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting a few minutes into the second. Then, the Spurs were able to extend the lead to double digits with suffocating defense, and LaMarcus Aldridge got going offensively. Some strong play from the second unit maintained the lead to end the quarter and the Spurs went into the locker room with a 58-49 lead at halftime.

The Celtics refused to go away, which is something I respect about this team, but the Spurs maintained a double digit lead throughout most of the third. Kawhi was even able to earn what I'm vaguely certain was his first "M-V-P" chants of the season from the home crowd. The third quarter was much like the second and the Spurs increased the lead to 17. They went into the final quarter with a 15 point advantage.

The Spurs did a good job maintaining the lead since gaining it late in the first, but the Celtics inevitably made their  run and cut the lead to two late in the fourth. The game suddenly became too close for comfort with under a minute left to go, and the Spurs had a two point lead with under 10 seconds left. Kawhi was able to knock down two free throws to give SA a three point lead, giving the Celtics the ball with only two seconds left, and they couldnt convert,

So, the Spurs win a close one and improve to 17-4.