Thunder 94, Spurs 88
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Guard Reggie Jackson came off the bench and tied a career high with 23 points to propel the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 94-88 victory over the San Antonio Spurs Wednesday at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.
The loss ends the Spurs' 11-game win streak and extends the Thunder's winning streak to five games.
With three minutes left in the game, the Spurs (13-2) trailed the Thunder (10-3) 83-77. Forward Kawhi Leonard drove the lane with a chance to cut the deficit to four points. However, Oklahoma City forward Serge Ibaka altered the shot and got the rebound.
Forward Kevin Durant made the Spurs pay when he was fouled while attacking the rim for a tough layup. The ensuing 3-point play put the Thunder up by eight.
Guard Marco Bellinelli made a couple of baskets to get the Spurs to within seven. But once again, Durant found a way to put points on the board when he got Leonard to foul him and send him to the line for a pair of free throws.
That was all the Thunder needed as they made their free throws down the stretch to hold off the Spurs.
Durant had a game-high 24 points, 13 rebounds and six turnovers. Ibaka added 17 points and 11 rebounds. Point guard Russell Westbrook shot 2-for-16 and was held to six points and eight assists.
Guard Tony Parker paced the Spurs with 16 points and seven assists. Leonard chipped in with 14 points and forward Tim Duncan scored 11 in the loss.
Despite San Antonio being the older team, they were the squad that got out and ran to start the night. Parker and Leonard were beating the Thunder down court for fast breaks, even though Oklahoma City hadn't played since Sunday.
However, the Spurs only held a two-point lead going into the second period after guard Jeremy Lamb and center Steven Adams closed out the first quarter with a 5-0 run.
The Thunder bench was on fire led by Lamb and Jackson. They helped Oklahoma City tie the game at 32-32 midway through the second.
However, San Antonio outscored the Thunder 14-11 the rest of the quarter as the Thunder's two stars struggled to find their game. Westbrook shot 1-for-11 from the field while Durant was only slightly better at 5-for-13. Yet, the Spurs only led 46-43 at halftime.
Oklahoma City's shooting didn't improve in the third, but its defense did. They contested every San Antonio shot and were on the floor going after all loose balls and they flew out to a 68-61 lead at the end of the quarter.
NOTES: Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks is not surprised that the Spurs started hot. "They've done nothing different," Brooks said. "They started another season. That's what they do and do it every year. Next year they will be in the same position." ... Oklahoma City's Jeremy Lamb will start to see more time at the point guard spot in certain situations. The second-year pro took over the position in the fourth quarter against the Utah Jazz on Sunday, and Brooks said he saw something he liked. ... The Spurs play the Magic on Friday in Orlando. ... The Thunder play host to the Golden State Warriors on Friday.
