Spurs extend perfect home record
SAN ANTONIO (AP): SAN ANTONIO improved to 26-0 on home court this season by beating Orlando 107-92 on Monday night, led by a season-high 28 points from LaMarcus Aldridge.
The Spurs edged within four games of Golden State Warriors in the fight over the top seed in the NBA Western Conference. They also stayed four games ahead of Oklahoma City, who beat Washington, thanks to a triple double from Russell Westbrook.
Westbrook had his seventh triple-double of the season as the Thunder won 114-98. Westbrook had 17 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists, and got the best of his match-up with Washington point guard John Wall. Kevin Durant scored 28 points for the Thunder, who have won 11 of 12.
Among other key results, Cleveland were forced to overtime at Indiana, but notched a fifth straight win, 111-106. Atlanta defeated Dallas 112-97 to move into a virtual tie with Miami for top spot in the Southeast Division.
San Antonio’s Aldridge shot nine for 13 from the field to pace the Spurs. Australian Patty Mills matched a season-high with 22 points, going three for four on three-pointers.
San Antonio found their defensive footing late in the third quarter to separate from Orlando. The Spurs outscored the Magic 24-8 to overcome a 70-69 deficit with 1 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter.
Nikola Vucevic led Orlando with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Cleveland’s Kyrie Irving scored 25 points as the Cavaliers won in overtime at Indiana. LeBron James had 24 points – but only seven after halftime - with 12 rebounds, and the Cavaliers extended their lead in the Central Division to nine games and won in Indiana for the first time in six years.