Spurs hold off Rockets, win 113-120.

Kawhi's near-steal in the final seconds made all the difference.

The Rockets were still in striking distance in the final minute and Harden had that ice-cold look in his eyes, but Kawhi Leonard's "claw"-like hands knocked away the ball. Harden would recover it, but too much time had gone by as Ryan Anderson forced up a shot that misfired, the Spurs surviving Game 1.

Houston showed what we all knew already in that they will pose a formidable threat to the Spurs' chances of making the Western Conference Finals this year, as the Spurs struggled in the first quarter--particularly Kawhi. Luckily, San Antonio would make a sizable run (20-1) in the second quarter, giving themselves a lead courtesy of their long range skill and defensive stoppage.

Tony Parker (23pts/6asts/8-12%/3-4 3PT%) would spark the Spurs late after a poor showing by Patty Mills (9pts), making 3PTers and driving to the rim past the long arms of Clint Capela (16pts/13rebs). Kawhi would eventually get going, finishing with 18 points on just 5-14 shooting. Gasol was solid in this game, despite missing some long range attempts; he finished with 15 points and 8 rebounds. Bismack Biyombo was not his most effective self tonight, but he did have 8 points, 6 rebounds and 3 crucial blocks that sparked runs for the Spurs up the court.

The Rockets and Spurs were neck-and-neck in the column war. San Antonio won points in the paint, including a furious bench effort (63-27); Houston won the rebound war and the assist battle. Both teams were proficient from long range: Spurs shot 41% to Houston's 38%. The Rockets made several long balls in the clutch, however, especially Chris Paul (22 points, 6-12 3PT%). James Harden was Mr. Distribution tonight, with 14 assists behind just 17 points--as Leonard hounded him all game long.

San Antonio would close things out at the free throw line as Leonard and Parker sealed this victory. The bench included 9 points by Bryn Forbes; 11 & 11 by Rudy Gay and 10 points by Jeremy Lamb--including a sick jam past Capela. Rudy Gay would hit a clutch three-pointer for a five-point lead, forcing the Rockets to foul in the final minute.