Spurs outlast 76ers 119-133, but Leonard suffers toe injury.

San Antonio's best player will be out of action for 1-2 weeks.

The Spurs wound up winning big against the upstart Philadelphia squad, after an exciting face-off between Ben Simmons and Kawhi Leonard, but San Antonio arguably "lost" when its star came up hobbling after a made 3PTer.

"I was just about to pull Kawhi out of the game when it happened, so that's rotten luck for us and bad timing on our part," Coach Popovich said post-game, glad for the victory but aware of the challenge that will follow his team now with Leonard out of action.

The Spurs had gained a sizable lead midway through the 2nd quarter, then the 76ers sparked back into the contest, capped off by a 3PT bomb from JJ Reddick to end the half. The comeback made for a fight in the 3rd that culminated in the Spurs obtaining a small lead again. It would grow in the 4th quarter, despite Leonard's injury, courtesy of solid defense on Phillie's shooters and Rudy Gay's stellar shooting showcase, finishing with 35 points, a season-high so far with the team on 12-23 shooting. Joel Embid got the best of Pau Gasol in a big-man battle, the "Process" scoring 29 points and 11 rebounds over the Spaniard's 16 points and 9 rebounds. Patty Mills had an off night, but finished with 14 points and 9 assists. Shumpert had 9 points and 8 assists in a nice showing, too. In the loss, Ben Simmons (the likely Rookie of the Year) had 18 points, 10 rebounds and a staggering 18 assists. JJ Redick had 17 points, but overall the 76ers were a touch chilly from the floor.

Rudy Gay's strong play lately has helped the Spurs

This bittersweet victory comes after a strong home win against the Dallas Mavericks; the Spurs won 127-98, scorching Dallas in the 3rd quarter for a 34-11 scoring advantage. Leonard finished with a triple-double (22 points/11 rebounds/10 assists). The Mavericks shot 39% and 3-29 from 3PT range, compared to SA's 50% overall shooting and 42% from deep. A tough loss to the Pelicans on the road preceded this victory, behind the big men Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, the latter finishing with 30 points and 20 rebounds. "The Brow" would foul out, but after scoring 26 points and 13 rebounds, himself. Leonard went 0-7 from range, 5-14 overall, as the rest of the Spurs also were off the mark. Leonard boasted 31 points in a road victory in Toronto, winning 119-110, aided by Pau Gasol's 24 points and 23 points by Patty Mills. In the loss, DeMarr DeRozan had 25 points. Kyle Lowry and 16 assists in the loss.

Most excitingly, the OKC Thunder came to San Antonio and left with a loss other than on the scoreboard. Carmelo Anthony was playing perfectly, giving OKC a strong lead (34 points - 12 rebounds - 13-24 FG%) before rolling his ankle on a drive to the basket. The Thunder nearly held off the Spurs, due to 26 points by Steven Adams, a triple-double by Russell Westbrook and 16 points by Paul George. But it was Patty Mills' 12 assists and 4th quarter assault from long range (8-15 3P%), finishing with 24 points, behind Kawhi's 33 (10-14 from the field). Rudy Gay chipped in 20 points and 8 rebounds, and SA's bench would be the difference. Gasol had 18 points and Iman Shumpert had 15 points and 6 assists. Parker finished with 13 points/6 assists, as well. The Spurs won 140-131 in a high-scoring thriller, with the Spurs shooting 57% and 43% 3PT from the floor.