Season 50, Game 58
San Antonio 119, Los Angeles Lakers 98
45-13, 2nd in the West

After a bit of a sluggish start to the Rodeo Road Trip, the Spurs ended it with a bang, posting consecutive impressive wins over both teams from Los Angeles.

While Friday’s victory over the Clippers was impressive, Sunday’s win over the Lakers was expected. However, it had all the hallmarks of a trap game: Sunday matinee in Los Angeles (after the team had been there for a week); last game of a long road trip; playing against an inferior team that doesn’t inspire focus and preparation.

Luckily, the team seemed determined to get the easy win and return home on a good note. After a bad game (by his standards) on Friday, Kawhi Leonard got things rolling early, hitting just about every shot he put up and getting into double digits about 8 minutes into the game. After going up 36-18 late in the first quarter, the game was essentially over. The Lakers never got closer than double digits, and the Spurs cruised to the win.

Not only was it an easy win, but the team looked good doing it. The offense just seemed to click. (The Lakers’ defense can have that effect on a team.) I don’t know if it’s a long-term thing, but Dewayne Dedmon once again was impressive as the starter, using his athleticism to impose his will on both ends of the court. The starters have a tendency to begin games in a bit of a rut; Dedmon shakes them out of that.

Likewise, Pau Gasol looked great again on the second unit, where his scoring prowess is too much for most second units. And if he never misses from 3-point range again, he’ll be pretty potent in the playoffs.

Everybody was just clicking. LaMarcus Aldridge’s shot was falling. The second unit’s passing was infectious and effective. Danny Green’s defense was great, as usual. Tony Parker was playing his role to perfection, with 8 points and 9 assists.

It’s hard to take too much away from a game against the Lakers. But we’re getting close to that time where it’s time to shake off the doldrums, and start tightening it up and turning it up.

The Spurs looked good finishing off the RRT. 6-2 was my hoped for their record, and they hit it. The losses weren’t pretty, but I was impressed with the wins against Detroit, Indiana, and especially the Clippers. The team is in prime position to snag that 2-seed and head into the playoffs healthy and playing well.

The team returns home to face the Pacers Wednesday night.

Go Spurs Go.