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| Patty Mills had a career-high 13 assists |
The Spurs led by as many as 20 points (57-77 at one point), led by Patty Mills' 13 assists, a career high. Tony Parker hit two nice shots from deep, as did Pau Gasol whose 3PT% only grows. Rudy Gay had 16 points and Jeremy Lamb had 19 points, showing promise and revealing the talent therein that convinced the Spurs to trade for him.
Al Horford and Pau Gasol had some nice exchanges in the post, but the Spurs simply played better cohesively and the Celtics just kept struggling to develop any momentum. Shots simply were not falling, as Boston went 38% from the field in the second quarter with 11 turnovers by halftime, as fans settled in for a victory.
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| Greg Popovich, post-game, confirmed the Spurs' desire to be the best in the west. |
Despite expecting a showdown, the Spurs kept the pressure on and earned a rest period for Kawhi Leonard, whose strong play as of late has propelled San Antonio into a dogfight with the Warriors. Behind the Warriors and Spurs in the top standings in the contentious Western Conference are the OKC Thunder (who acquired Paul George and Carmelo Anthony to pair with last season's MVP, Russell Westbrook) and Houston Rockets duo of James Harden & Chris Paul.
"We'll be there. I wouldn't bet on which spot we actually take when the dust settles, but our goal has been clear since we won our championship last season. We're playing to win, and my guys are ready," Coach Popovich said after this surprising blowout, the Spurs staying flawless at home, winning 100-112, nearly holding Kyrie's Celtics below 100 points in a one-sided season series finale.