The San Antonio Spurs (11-3) cruised to a win over the streaky Phoenix Suns (7-7) with a final score of 98-84.
The Spurs had the lead after the first quarter and held on to it the rest of the way, as Phoenix’s young core was out-matched by the steady Spurs.
Tony Parker was way too much for the Suns and he sliced and diced through their defense for 20 points on 10-13 shooting, as well as eight assists. Parker also nabbed three steals in 32 minutes. Kawhi Leonard led the Spurs in scoring with 24 points and had a double double with 13 rebounds; he tallied four assists and four steals as well. Danny Green chipped in 18 points, six rebounds and four assists, going 4-9 from three point range. David West started his second game in a row, covering for LaMarcus Aldridge, who remains side-lined with an ankle sprain. The Spurs shot a strong 51 percent from the field and looked great as a team.
Phoenix was missing half of their starting back court as Eric Bledsoe sat out with a sore knee. Brandon Knight did what he could with 18 points and eight assists in 38 minutes but tallied a dangerous eight turn overs against the solid Spurs defense. Markieff Morris had a huge game with 28 points on 12-15 shooting, including 2-3 from deep, eight rebounds and four assists. Morris also had a disturbing amount of turnovers with six. the Suns as a team finished with 28 turn overs. T.J. Warren finished with 16 points in 26 minutes off the bench. The rest of the team combined for only 22 points.
Up next the Spurs will defend home on Wednesday versus state rivals and top Western team, Dallas. Phoenix will head home to host New Orleans on Wednesday. The Pelicans have been heating up and could surprise the Suns.
