Second unit tops Lakers, Lamb shines: 117-98.

Tony Parker gave his team 15 points tonight.

The Spurs rolled out with Parker-Lamb-Hezonja-Bertans-O'Quinn in this contest, which turned into a fun competitive match-up. Isaiah Thomas had himself a night with 34 points, showcasing a floater in the paint that would earn the respect of Tony Parker (15 points, himself) and making a handful of bombs from long range. I.T. also had 8 assists.

The Lakers held a small lead going into halftime, but the Spurs would win the final two periods, especially the 4th quarter, in which Jeremy Lamb surged to finish with 24 points, making 3PTers and causing a highlight-worthy slip by Kentavius Caldwell-Pope, freeing Lamb for a wide open shot. Confidence showed in the Spurs youth movement, with Davis Bertans knocking down two 3PTers, along with Patty Mills in transition. Mario Hezonja made a three for 8 points, as did Rudy Gay, Iman Shumpert (after a solid pick and spin move). Even Tony Parker splashed one home. Kawhi Leonard burst off the bench for a deadly 14 points, going 100% from the field, including a trio of long shots, including two in transition and one in the corner. Leonard also gave the Spurs a spark of separation with 3 steals, as they seized a lead.

Rudy Gay had 10 points with 7 rebounds and 3 steals, shooting 50%. San Antonio shot 48% overall, including 11-31 from 3PT territory. Davis Bertans had 16 points. Pau Gasol had 10/8 in 16 minutes. Kyle O'Quinn made the most of his start with 5 blocks, 8 rebounds and 7 points, cleaning up the glass. The Spurs would blow open the lead in the 4th quarter, mostly due to Lamb catching fire.

In the loss, the Lakers played well and should feel good about the effort given. They narrowly lost the rebound war 42-36, but led assists and shot better from 3PT distance. The Spurs were able to draw more fouls for 20 made free throws, including 8 second-chance opportunities that burned the Lakers. Brook Lopez had 14 points with 10 rebounds; KCP had 13 points. Brandon Ingram had an off game with just 10 points and 6 rebounds on 5/12 shooting including 0-4 from long range. Julius Randle had 10 rebounds, but just 6 points, knocked down in the second half at the rim after a nasty block. Lonzo Ball also had a quiet showing with 8 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists, whereas Kyle Kuzma went scoreless.