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The Spurs were looking to end the worst Rodeo Road Trip in history on a positive note after a win against the Kings in Sacramento. Going into Phoenix on the second game of a back-to-back, the hope was that they wouldn't be run out of the building against a much younger and sprier team. Keeping the game close and getting a chance to win it late seemed like the best shot San Antonio had. If this season has taught us something, however, is that the Spurs don't conform to our expectations. They tightened up the screws on defense with Kawhi Leonard making Eric Bledsoe's life a living hell and never looked back after a dominant first half.
The Suns scored only 24 points during the first two quarters, while the Spurs went off for 51 on 45 percent shooting, essentially sealing the game. San Antonio didn't relent in the third quarter despite their usual struggles during that frame this season, extending the lead to 34 at one point. There simply weren't any answers from a Phoenix team that has undergone severe changes at the trade deadline. Leonard finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds and three steals and Marcus Morris had 19 points and seven rebounds in the losing effort.
Play of the game
This sequence illustrates just how dominant the Spurs' defense was. Bledsoe thought Leonard was out of the play only to find him coming from behind to send his shot to the third row.
The Spurs finished the RRT with a 4-5 record and are 36-23 for the season. Now it's time to regroup. They will enjoy a six-game homestead, starting with a game against the Kings on Wednesday.