Spurs subdue depleted Warriors
San Antonio shows little sympathy to injury-riddled Golden State, scores crucial victory to boost postseason chances
SAN ANTONIO— LaMarcus Aldridge had 33 points and 12 rebounds to power the San Antonio Spurs past the injury-ravaged Golden State Warriors, 89-75, on Monday. San Antonio, which nearly blew a 16-point spread, beat Golden State for the first time in four tries this season and won its fourth straight to move into fifth place in the Western Conference.
SAN ANTONIO— For a while, the playoff hopes of one of the league’s most successful franchises was on the verge of flat-lining. LaMarcus Aldridge, seeing an opportunity to bolster their bid, didn’t spare any sympathy for an undermanned opponent.
“I’m a leader, so I have to do what we need,” Aldridge said. “Playing defense, blocking shots, scoring. It all comes with it.”
Aldridge had 33 points and 12 rebounds, and San Antonio blew a 16-point lead to the injury-ravaged Golden State Warriors before pulling away for an 89-75 victory on Monday night.
San Antonio beat Golden State for the first time in four tries this season and won their fourth straight to move into fifth place in the Western Conference, a halfgame ahead of Utah and New Orleans in a bid to make a 21st straight postseason appearance.
“Obviously, it wasn’t a fair fight, but it just shows what kind of class they have and how well coached they are and how badly they want to be champions again,” said San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich. They played great and we picked the right five minutes to play really well at the end of the game.”
Already without injured AllStars Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson, Gold- en State lost Draymond Green in the second quarter to a bruise in the pelvic area. Green took a knee to the upper groin while defending a drive to the basket by Danny Green.
Draymond Green said he was suffering a “constant, annoying pain,” but doesn’t expect to miss any games.