The Spurs sparked two notable runs, as Davis Bertans splashed home long balls for 8 points, stepping up for the struggling Mario Hezonja (DNP). Jeremy Lamb had a posterizing dunk over Chandler as well early on in the game, contributing 13 points and making two nice shots in the corner. Patty Mills made a couple of 3PTers, too, finishign with 10 points. Pau Gasol had 9, as did Iman Shumpert whose two early blocks set the tone for San Antonio's defensive effort. Bismack Biyombo had 7 points to go with 10 rebounds, a block and a steal.
In the loss, Josh Jackson had 13 points, but Phoenix didn't get much help from TJ Warren or Elfrid Payton (3/9). Even Booker shot just 11/21, with Phoenix coughing up the rock 15 times. Luckily the Spurs pulled out the win, after uncharacteristically missing a handful of free throws.
In a play that epitomized the outcome, Tyson Chandler grabbed the rebound with a second to spare before halftime, aiming to heave a prayer from full court distance, only for Biyombo to swat him down, causing the big man to stumble to the hardwood.
Now, the Spurs are one away from victory #50. Next up? Golden State Warriors.