Spurs win two impressive games versus Cavaliers, Warriors.

Patty Mills came back to life, totaling 49 points for both games

After going through a shooting slump and watching Tony Parker take up the mantle from the bench, Patty Mills had himself a resurgence in these two national television thrillers. Over the course of both games, the Australian sensation made thirteen 3PTers, especially one with 37.2 seconds left to tie the game versus the Cavaliers. The Spurs needed some joy after Jeremy Lamb's 40-point eruption was spoiled after a stolen victory by the New York Knicks in the second half, costing the Spurs just their sixth loss at home this season as their shooting on the floor suffered.

First, the Cavaliers paid Texas a visit in a high-scoring affair that saw LeBron "The King" James dunking over Kawhi Leonard in crunch time and the Cavaliers taking off for two stunning runs that nearly netted them the road victory, leading 110-104 with just a minute to spare. The game was decided by only 4 points, with a spark by Dwyane Wade nearly pulling off the upset after a ferocious steal-then-dunk over Bismack Biyombo. Kawhi went head-to-head in his most bitter rivalry with LeBron James, both superstars playing one-up on each other late. Leonard made a clutch three to close the gap, as Isaiah Thomas was nearly at 100%, scoring mostly well and racking up assists to compensate for it, finishing with 8 points and 10 assists.

Rudy Gay played savior for the Spurs in both games

 Rudy Gay would play hero in both showdowns, scoring clutch buckets late to give the Spurs the lead once more, one being a dunk over Kevin Love with 28.4 seconds left versus Cleveland and a layup-turned-foul against the Warriors with only 10 seconds remaining in the contest. After a steal by Pau Gasol on the inbound play, Gay would make a layup and draw another foul to give the Spurs a 111-115 lead over Cleveland. Isaiah Thomas would nearly lose the ball to Mills, causing a scramble with just 6 seconds left, and Kevin Love would miss the would-be game-tying shot. Kawhi Leonard would go on to ice the game at the free throw line, as Thomas' final heave clanged off the backboard.

The Warriors' sheer firepower nearly took over the game as soon as it started, but hot shooting by Mills brought San Antonio back into the contest. Biyombo stuggled against Golden State, but Pau Gasol and Rudy Gay were able to help shore up the scoring effort. Rookie Jordan Bell's raw athleticism proved to be a frustration for Biyombo. Iman Shumpert (13 points, 1 steal) had a nice competitive exchange with Klay Thompson (22 points) in this one, as Kevin Durant struggled from the field, missing what would be the final shot for Golden State on a cold 5-13 performance for just 12 points. Steph Curry made his well-known bombs from way deep, as well, shooting for 20 points on 4-10 3PT%, debilitating the Spurs defense with 18 assists. Golden State made only 8 three-pointers out of 28 attempts, as SA shot 42% from range.

Patty Mills played with passion in these two victories.

The Warriors went up by six points with 1:30 left to play, before Leonard made a three ball. Durant's monster jam past Leonard and Gay would give the Warriors a 104-99 lead, but Pau Gasol would erase it at the charity stripe. Gay would block Bell's layup at the rim next, and Leonard would draw the foul to cut the lead to a point. However, Draymond Green's and-1 over Gasol would once again increase the lead to 4 with a minute to play. Gasol would make a big jump shot for the Spurs, only for Green to make a reverse layup, only for Rudy Gay to catch the quick pass by Gasol for a tomahawk jam. The Spaniard would block Bell's attempt next, and Kawhi would get his hand on the ball from Durant, leading to an outlet pass to Mills on the fast break for the Spurs, although Mills would miss the go-ahead corner 3PTer.

Time for Rudy Gay to catch the offensive rebound, Coach Popovich to call a timeout, and for Gay to give them the lead on the and-1 drive to the basket. Leonard smothered Durant on the final play and although it was a good look after a nice spin move, the Warriors star missed his 3PT shot attempt, giving San Antonio a 109-110 victory! Only down a point, it may have been wiser to try a closer effort, but such is the Warriors style. Jordan Bell finished with 22 points and 9 rebounds.

The Spurs move to 59-15, with only 9 games left on the schedule before the playoffs begin. They are still technically behind the Warriors, only because they've won one game less so far this season. The defending champions could very well top Golden State in the standings, but topping them and Cleveland in these two battles is certainly more rewarding. The Spurs shot 50% from 3PT range (18-36) versus the Cavaliers. Bismack Biyombo had 8 points, 11 rebounds, 5 steals and 1 block in the win, behind 23 points by Rudy Gay. Kevin Love was the high man for Cleveland with 23 points. In the victory over Golden State, the Spurs missed 9 free throws which will have to improve in future meetings.