Spurs overcome tough effort by Jazz, 97-106.

Ricky Rubio scored 26 points, but only 5 assists.

Ricky Rubio found himself double-teamed all game long, but until halftime it looked like the Jazz needn't worry about his efficacy to get other teammates involved for easy scores, as Utah held a sizable lead early until midway in the third quarter. The Spurs went on an 12-0 run to tie the game at 46 with two minutes left in the first half, then a 3PTer by Davis Bertans (12 points) gave them the lead with seconds left before the intermission.

It was still touch-and-go until the Spurs pulled off an even stronger rally of 13-2 by the 1-minute mark in the third quarter, now leading 71-80. San Antonio's defense would stifle Utah's responsive efforts to get back into the game. The Jazz got within 6 points, before the Spurs rebuilt the advantage to seize control.

The Spurs won the 2nd Quarter 32-22, the 3rd 26-19 and stalemated Utah 26-26 (to hold them off) in the 4th, shooting 42% to the Jazz's 46%, both teams not quite lighting it up from 3PT territory. The Spurs went 17-17 from the charity stripe, though, which helped considerably to keep them close early, despite Utah only missing one free throw. The Jazz narrowly won rebounds 47-40, but SA had 7 offensive rebounds. Utah committed 18 turnovers, with only Utah scoring two more assists--evidence of Rubio's struggle. He got the ball swiped from him 5 times, despite shooting 61% and making 2/4 from long range. Donovan Mitchell had just 11 points, hounded by Kawhi Leonard on 4/11 shooting, including a crucial turnover late.

Rudy Gobert had some impressive jams in this game, for 16 points and 14 rebounds with 3 blocks, putting pressure on San Antonio early as their attempts down low were swatted down. Thabo Sefolosha had 12 points and a steal on just 5/13 shooting, and Jae Crowder with Derrick Favors combined for just 18 points, with Favors shooting 3/11. Typical sharpshooter Joe Ingles was only 1-5 from long range.

The Spurs were not scoring high individually either, but Bismack Biyombo (after a poor first half showing) clamped down on Utah's driving layup attempts, finishing with 6 blocks, 2 steals, 8 points and 11 rebounds. Kawhi had 15 points with 5 steals. Iman Shumpert had 13 points, Jeremy Lamb had 12 points with 2 steals, and Rudy Gay combined with Pau Gasol for another 20 points. Dejounte Murray got some swipes in on Rubio for 2 steals with 9 points and 5 assists.