SAN ANTONIO — Final: Spurs lose 109-103
A frantic fourth quarter run erased a 19-point deficit, but the Mavericks closed on a dominant run of their own to slam the door shut.
After a blazing hot run by the Spurs to tie it at 96, Dallas puts together a 12-0 run of their own.
The Spurs have crammed all of their effectiveness and intensity into this fourth quarter. 15-1 run to take the lead after trailing by as many as 19.
Spurs start the fourth quarter with some stellar defense and rip off a 6-0 run to cut the deficit to 5.
Third Quarter: Spurs 77, Mavericks 88
DeMar DeRozan has scored 21 points in the past two quarters to help the Spurs hang in this game, but they'll need a strong fourth to close the gap.
Whatever momentum the Spurs started to build at the end of the first half is now gone. The Silver and Black are hanging in there, but can't stop Dallas from scoring.
Halftime: Spurs 49, Mavericks 59
DeMar has been attacking all night. Got to the rim for a basket, then dished to Trey on a drive. Lyles got whacked, no call, and DeMar got a tech for laying into the official. Next possession, DeMar drives for another basket. Next, drives and dishes to Marco for 3. He has 15 points, 5 boards and 4 dimes at the break.
Big Jak with a few cutting jams to cut the Dallas lead to 39-26 with 9:01 left in the second quarter.
First Quarter: 36-20 Mavericks
Well that was unpleasant. Spurs shoot just 6-21 from the floor and turn it over five times in an abysmal first quarter. Porzingis torched San Antonio for 16 points and added 2 steals and 2 blocks.
The Mavericks look crisp and the Spurs can't hold on to the ball. 17-7 Dallas with 6:23 in the first quarter. White and Mills checking in, and Patty immediately drills a triple.
Gregg Popovich calls time less than two minutes into the game after some awful transition defense. Right after, DeRozan scores a tough basket inside through contact to make it 5-4.
Pregame:
It's LaMarcus Aldridge bobblehead night, but the man himself is out with a sore shoulder. Rookie Luka Samanic is with the team, and may make his NBA debut tonight.
Lonnie Walker IV will make the fourth start of his career tonight.
