Spurs streaking, send Hawks to 3rd straight loss
The San Antonio Spurs have found their form once again.
The reigning champions flexed on the East-leading Atlanta Hawks on Sunday, dominating on both ends of the floor as they cruised to a 114-95 victory.
The Hawks have found their success this season by modelling themselves as the Spurs' understudy. But the battle-tested Spurs proved masterful as their free-flowing offensive sets, diligent rotations and overlaying brilliance was in top form.
As it usually does, it started with Tim Duncan, who anchored the Spurs' attack. He anchored the defense that forced 18 turnovers out of the Hawks, finishing with 12 points, seven rebounds, four blocks and seven assists in the win.
Flanking Duncan was Tiago Splitter, who put his size to good use against Atlanta's undersized frontcourt. Splitter was often the beneficiary and open man on the Spurs' pin-point ball movement and finished with 23 points on 10-of-14 shooting. He also added eight assists.
The wing was steadied by Kawhi Leonard, who limited Hawks sharpshooter Kyle Korver to just six points in 29 minutes. Leonard was also a factor on offense, generating steals that led to points in transition. He finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists along with four steals.
For the Hawks, Paul Millsap and backup point guard Dennis Schroeder were the only two that managed to consistently generate offense. Millsap scored 22 points while Schroeder chipped in with 18, but their efforts fell far short.
The win puts San Antonio on the doorstep of taking home court advantage. They sit just a half-game back of fourth-place Portland Trail Blazers.