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| Kawhi Leonard stepped up for the Spurs tonight. |
Kawhi Leonard was solid all-game, despite foul trouble, including a savage block on Damian Lillard, who had stolen the ball in the final minute with the game being anyone's for the taking. That key play would prove crucial as Kawhi hit a jumper on the break following that play and sealed it at the free throw line.
Coach Popovich thought he could trust his third string, but the Blazers would not be denied a photo finish in this contest, as Kawhi and Tony were brought back into the game. Bismack Biyombo's defense proved invaluable tonight, posting yet another double-double, with 2 blocks and 3 steals, and drawing a big foul with the lead within three points for Portland. He would only make one free throw, but it helped secure the lead amid the wild crowd after the team's comeback.
Patty Mills was electric from deep range, hitting four three-pointers in the first quarter. He hit some more wow! shots in the second half, too, finishing with six long balls and 27 points, also showing midrange proficiency on 10-15 shooting. Leonard had 29 points on 8-14 shooting with 2 blocks. Tony Parker had 12 points, cooling off after his remarkable 30 point showing in a win over the Clippers (103-97).
For the Trailblazers, Lillard had just 17 points and 9 assists on 6-18 shooting but hit some money 3PTers to cut the lead within striking distance. C.J. McCollum had 22 points (4-8 3PT%, 8-15%). The Blazers needed more help tonight, with 12 or so points from each other primary player not being enough to best San Antonio, even with a third player not scoring above average for the Spurs, who now moves to 65 wins with just one game left.