Spurs zap Pacers, stay clean at home

SAN ANTONIO – A physical matchup on both ends of the court brought out the best in the San Antonio Spurs, especially Kawhi Leonard.

Leonard had 24 points, six rebounds and five assists and helped hold Paul George to a season-low seven points, and San Antonio surged past Indiana for a 106-92 victory Monday night to remain undefeated at home.

“They imposed their will in the second half, like they do here,” Pacers coach Frank Vogel said. “We just couldn’t get over that hump. We kept hanging around, hanging around. (There was a) loose ball play that went their way or they make a 3 or just something that prevented us from getting over the hump.”

San Antonio (24-5) has won six straight and is off to the second best start in franchise history, including 16-0 at home.

The Spurs won their 21st game by double figures, turning a closely contested game into a rout in the second half.

Tony Parker had 15 points, including nine in the final quarter, for San Antonio. Boris Diaw added 14 points and LaMarcus Aldridge and Patty Mills had 10 markers each.

David West had seven points and five rebounds in his first game against the Pacers since leaving in the offseason to sign with the Spurs.

George Hill and Jordan Hill each had 15 points for Indiana (16-11).

In other results, Washington defeated Sacramento, 113-99; Boston trounced Minnesota, 113-99; Orlando stopped New York, 107-99; Atlanta downed Portland, 106-97; Brooklyn stunned Chicago, 105-102; Houston beat Charlotte, 102-95; Utah crushed Phoenix, 110-89; and the Oklahoma City Thunder nipped the Los Angeles Clippers, 100-99.

Back in San Antonio – two of the league’s top defenses fought early. The Spurs lead the league in opponent scoring at 88.9 points and the Pacers are seventh at 92.7.          

San Antonio had just six points in the first six minutes of the game, two fewer than Indiana.

Leonard and George had their own heated battle, with each trying to get the best of the other on both ends of the court.