Spurs overcome 23-point deficit to win

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The Thunder don't believe they blew another big lead, the Spurs simply took it away.

LaMarcus Aldridge had 26 points and San Antonio overcame a 23-point deficit to beat Oklahoma City 104101 on Friday night.

"The team showed a lot of heart, lot of character by not giving up," Spurs center Pau Gasol said. "By not just saying we're down by 20 and it's one of those nights."

Danny Green added 17 points and Gasol had 14 points to help San Antonio end Oklahoma City's threegame winning streak.

The Thunder were outscored 89-69 in the final three quarters after holding the Spurs to a season-low 15 points in the opening period.

The Thunder have blown several double-digit leads this season, including an 18-point advantage against Boston in a 101-94 home loss Nov. 3. Aldridge put back of Green's missed 3-pointer gave the Spurs a 102-99 lead with 24.2 seconds remaining.

The Thunder missed two 3-pointers on the ensuing possession, but Carmelo Anthony tracked down a second offensive rebound and made a 25-footer with his foot on the 3-point line to cut the lead to 102-101.

Gasol made two free throws, and Russell Westbrook stumbled to the court and threw up an airball on a 3-point attempt as the game ended.

Anthony had 20 points to lead the Thunder. Westbrook was held to 15 points after scoring 10 in the opening period. He was 5 for 22 from the field.

"They just played faster and they just did a good job of getting themselves back in the game," Westbrook said.