Spurs prevail against Celtics, 106-109, win streak rises to 11.

Kawhi Leonard made a go-ahead layup after a fabulous steal.

With ten seconds left in the game, Kawhi Leonard ripped the ball away and sped up the court. Boston's defense recovered, but Leonard made a tough layup at the basket, giving the Spurs a 107-106 lead with 7 seconds left. Boston would miss their next shot, as Biyombo passed the ball back to Leonard, who made clutch free throws, forcing Gordon Hayward (30 points) into a 3PTer, which missed at the buzzer.

The Spurs were lucky to prevail here, having given Boston control late in this game due to the stellar play of Kyrie Irving (26 points) dashing to the basket over two defenders like clockwork. Iman Shumpert and Pau Gasol were strong aid to Kawhi tonight, though, and so San Antonio was able to remain nearly flawless at home and win the season series over the Celtics. Their win streak now climbs to 11 straight, with a three-game road trip to follow.

Mario Hezonja banged home four 3PTers in this game off the bench. Jeremy Lamb showcased his athleticism with some nice fast-break dunks for 6 points, despite struggling from long range. Kawhi had a quiet game until the second half, finishing with 20 points after having only 9 at halftime. He shot 7/11 from the field, but just 1/4 from long range. That lone longshot was vital to the comeback, however, as the Spurs were nearly out of contention when his three points made it a 1-PT game again.

Shumpert finished with 18 points, showing off his long range ability with 4 bombs, nabbing one steal as well and trying to slow down Kyrie Irving as Leonard was tasked with Hayward. Rudy Gay had 9 points and 3 steals which helped keep the victor up for grabs. Patty Mills got free late in the final period, also, making Boston pay with two 3PTers in a quiet night. He also got a payback layup after Hayward jammed a dunk past Shumpert on the previous play. Dejounte Murray made two nice layups inside, whereas Tony Parker struggled in this one. Bismack Biyombo had 9 rebounds with 2 blocks.

Meanwhile, Pau Gasol went for 26 points (12-18 from the floor) with 6 rebounds, dominating the paint for the Spurs and excelling in the pick-and-roll. For Boston: Hayward shot 4-7 from long range for 30 points; Kyrie went 11-18, making just one 3PTer with 6 assists. Marcus Morris had a strong game with 23 points and--count 'em--five threes with 7 rebounds. Al Horford had a quiet showing with 8 points against Gasol, but Greg Monroe gave 10 points with 6 rebounds.