The San Antonio Spurs finished the regular season with a win versus OKC. Photo Credits: USA Today
MANILA, PHILIPPINES- After three straight losses from Golden State twice and at Denver, the Spurs bounced back to beat the Thunder at San Antonio and make history.They fought an Oklahoma City Thunder team without Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka. The Spurs defeated the West's No. 3 seed, 102-98, in an extra period to tie the 1985-86 Boston Celtics for the best home record in league history.
"You know, it's one of the legendary teams with Larry Bird, (Kevin) McHale and (Robert) Parrish," Spurs point guard Tony Parker said. "So it's pretty good. It's not easy to lose one game the whole season (at home)."
The Spurs was behind by 16 points in one instance in the first half but outscored the Thunder by making a huge comeback to take the advantage entering the final quarter.
However, San Antonio could have avoided its first overtime game if they stopped the Thunder's bench accurately.
The Spurs had a five point lead with a minute left, 52 seconds remaining in regulation, but the Thunder went on a 5-0 run to tie things and force the extra session.
Kawhi Leonard made things happen for San Antonio with a game-high 26 points (10-of-20 shooting), five rebounds and five assists, while a vintage Parker tallied 20 points, three dimes and three steals.
This victory in front of their home crowd arguably set the most dominant run at home in league history, as the Spurs erased 1995-96 Bulls' previous record of an immaculate 37 and 0 at home to start a season ending up at 40-1.
This victory also retained their dominant status as a dangerous team come playoffs. Through 40 road games, the Spurs have the best net rating (plus-8.3) away from home—0.4 points better than the Warriors and 4.1 points better than the third-place Cleveland Cavaliers.
Come playoff time, please don't forget that figures. I
And if these two teams face at the Western Conference finals, expect an epic war to unfold.
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