Aldridge, Spurs romp to victory in Game 1

SAN ANTONIO — LaMarcus Aldridge had 38 points and the Spurs dismantled the Thunder 12492 on Saturday night, never trailing in Game 1 of the second-round series.

Kawhi Leonard added 25 points, five rebounds and five assists in 22 minutes for the Spurs. They led by as many as 43 points and sat starters in the fourth quarter to rest them for Game 2 onMonday night.

Aldridge broke out for his finest performance of the season after the Grizzlies held him to 14.5 points in the first round, nearly seven points below his regularseason numbers.

Aldridge was 18 for 23 from the field, including his first 3-pointer of the season and banking in a left-handed scoop shot as he was falling in the lane.

Leonard and Aldridge combined for 45 points in the first half, outscoring the Thunder by four. Unfortunately for the Thunder, the rest of the Spurswere just as impressive early.

San Antonio matched a postseason franchise record for points in a quarter with 43 in the opening period.

Serge Ibaka led the Thunder with 19 points, but was limited to two rebounds. Kevin Durant had 16 points, and RussellWestbrook added 14, but they were harassed into 11-for-34 shooting.

The only scare came when Leonard grabbed the back of his left leg after landing on it awkwardly off a powerful one-handed dunk on the game’s opening possession.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich paced the sideline in concern, asking Leonard “are you OK?” on the Spurs’ ensuing possession. Leonard didn’t respond verbally, but his dynamic efforts on both ends of the court answered Popovich’s concerns.

He shot 10 for 13 fromthe field and had only one turnover while guarding Westbrook and Durant.