San Antonio Spurs Game Grades vs Bulls: Bench Struggles

The San Antonio Spurs (14-4) saw their five-game winning streak come to an end Monday night against the Chicago Bulls (10-5) at the United Center.

There is no other word that could describe the last four minutes of the game accept, ugly. Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker each had a shot in the final-seconds to possibly send the game into overtime.

Both attempts as you now know, no good.

Leonard had himself another solid game as he led with 25 points and eight rebounds. Parker chipped in 11 points and six assists.

Pau Gasol and the Chicago defense came up big in the final quarter. Gasol showed some emotion as he rejected a shot by LaMarcus Aldridge as he was driving towards the basket.

Nov 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball against Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Aldridge, who is the second leading scorer on the Spurs had himself a solid outing as well. He finished with 21 points, 12 rebounds and a block.

What has seem to be the achilles heel for the Spurs this season is closing out games. Heading into the fourth quarter San Antonio was holding on to just a three-point lead. Chicago would not back down as they were playing without guards Kirk Hinrich and Aaron Brooks.

This did not seem to be an issue for the Bulls as they opened up the final quarter going on an 11-2 run.

Shooting struggles continue to plague San Antonio. The Spurs were 2 for 14 from 3-point range Monday night. Danny Green and Boris Diaw were credited for hitting the two.

Bench play has also been an area that the Spurs depend so much on. Against the Bulls, nonexistent. Spurs second unit were outscored 30 to 15.

San Antonio ended the month of November with a record of 13-3. That is some sort of positive heading into December right?

Next: San Antonio Spurs vs Chicago Bulls: Takeaways & Star Performer