Spurs edge Warriors in showdown, 117-121 at home.

The Spurs and Warriors went to war, but Kawhi Leonard's shot won the battle.

Klay Thompson (21 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists) kicked this showdown off with a 'splash' from 3PT range putting the scoreboard operator to work in this potent teaser spectacle of what's coming in the playoffs.

The Warriors climbed to an 11-point lead, but the Spurs rallied due to great defense by Bismack Biyombo (15 points, 11 rebounds) and his five blocks that spurred a fast break advantage. Rookie Jordan Bell had a career-high 20 points as the starting center for Golden State.

It was still neck-and-neck from that point in the second half, but Kawhi Leonard's ferocious highlight jam and mid-range jumper over the long arms of Kevin Durant gave the Spurs a two-point lead that they would never lose in the final minute. The Claw finished with 23 points and 7 rebounds. The Warriors resorted to intentional fouling at that point, but it proved folly as Patty Mills (17 points, 5 three-pointers) made them pay from the charity stripe before the Spurs drove up the court and found an open Iman Shumpert (5 points, 2 steals) for a dagger 3PTer in the corner, satisfying the pumped-up fans in attendance.

Steph Curry (36 points) had a fabulous showing, nonetheless, with 6 three-pointers from the parking lot and 11 assists, scoring 20 points in the first half. Draymond Green fouled out and found himself being upset at some calls, in his fiery nature, only scoring 7 points, and Kevin Durant (17 points) did not have his best game. San Antonio won the final period 43-36, and that is while admittedly missing 9 free throws--a slight concern. Both teams only had 17 turnovers combined, which made for a proficient contest with both teams shooting over 50% and over 40% from 3PT territory.

The Spurs now move 2-0 in their season series with Golden State, but 2-0 will mean a lot more this May. The absence of Rudy Gay meant more minutes for Pau Gasol (22 points, 9 rebounds), but he had a strong showing and the Spurs did not suffer too much without Gay, although they will be glad to have him back (hopefully) for the likely Western Conference Finals duel with the Warriors. Golden State's win streak is snapped, as the Spurs move to 13 straight victories as they next host Atlanta.