Spurs top Kings, 108-99 on the road.

De'Aaron Fox struggled in this game.

Davis Bertans banged home a 3PTer to end the first half, which gave the Spurs a 48-47 lead in a feisty fun game. The second quarter heated up for the defending champs after a sluggish start, with San Antonio trimming the lead to just 14-20 after one. Bismack Biyombo was a defensive monster with five early blocks, as was Kawhi Leonard a menace with 5 early steals. Jeremy Lamb was a pure spark-plug for the Spurs, scoring 14 points in the second quarter, making two 3PTers and a nice step-back jumper. Patty Mills also had a nice first half with 11 points off a trio of 3PT bombs.

For Sacramento, a lone highlight belonged to Vince Carter, who jammed it past Kawhi Leonard on the fast break, showing remnants of his once iconic athleticism. Buddy Hield led the half with 11 points for the Kings.

A strong third quarter would give the Spurs a 74-60 advantage that would hold firm until the final minutes of the final period, as the bench unit of prospects wavered the lead, before Jeremy Lamb and Mario Hezonja both hit huge 3PTers to regain control. Lamb would finish the contest with a ferocious jam down the lane, silencing the crowd with the and-one play. The Spurs won the 3rd quarter 31-20.

Coach Popovich pulled his starters out with 5 minutes left in the fourth quarter, given the considerable bench production that made for a confident-boosting turnout. If the Spurs can keep getting this synchronicity on a reliable basis, their odds look good for making another title run, with Bertans and Bryn Forbes (made active for this game) contributing well.

The Spurs nearly shot 50% from long range (14-31) and did shoot 50% for the game, besting Sacramento whose marksmen also had a nice showing. San Antonio proficiently won the battle for rebounds and assists, despite 13 turnovers. Jeremy Lamb finished with 20 points, with Patty Mills behind at 16 points, combining for seven 3PTers and 6 assists for Mills. Pau Gasol had 16 points with 7 rebounds. Kawhi Leonard finished with 14 points and 7 assists, taking just 13 shots in limited minutes. Davis Bertans had 11 points; Kyle O'Quinn had 9 points and 3 blocks, as Biyombo scored 8 points. Forbes finished with 6 on two 3PTers.

In the loss, Buddy Hield sparked the late rally for Sac-Town: 20 points, 4 assists on 50% shooting. Cauley-Stein had 14 points with 11 rebounds; Vince Carter had 13 points with 6 assists. De'Aaron Fox had 11 points with 8 assists but shot poorly on 3/13 efficiency. Z-Bo had just 8 points and 7 rebounds, bested by Gasol in the war down low.