Spurs defeat Clippers 120-107: Recap, highlights and more

SAN ANTONIO,TX - NOVEMBER 7: LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after scoring a basket against the Los Angeles Clippers at AT&T Center on November 7, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO,TX - NOVEMBER 7: LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after scoring a basket against the Los Angeles Clippers at AT&T Center on November 7, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /
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After a grueling first half, the San Antonio Spurs pulled away for a 120-107 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. The reinvigorated LaMarcus Aldridge poured in 25 points and snagged six rebounds for the team’s 500th victory at the AT&T Center.

The San Antonio Spurs improved its record to 7-4 on the season with an excellent showing of team basketball. They outscored the Clippers 68-52 in the second half and moved up to top-five in the Western Conference.

Most home wins since 2002-03 (year Spurs moved to AT&T Center):1. Spurs – 5002. Mavericks – 4363. Rockets – 4054. Pacers – 4025. Jazz – 401

— Jordan Howenstine (@AirlessJordan) November 8, 2017

A 40-point third quarter surged the Spurs to victory despite trailing at the half. Their efficient ball movement and three-point shooting propelled the team ahead of Los Angeles, who scored just 21 points in the third quarter.

Ball movement was the key to success for San Antonio, as they finished the night with 33 team assists. Their constant motion forced the Clippers out of their defensive sets for wide-open three-pointers, which they converted 53.6 percent of the time. Guard Patty Mills and center Pau Gasol contributed six assists a piece.

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The daunting matchup of Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan were no issue for San Antonio. The tandem combined for just 26 points on 44.4 percent shooting. The rim-protection of veteran Pau Gasol forced Los Angeles’ frontcourt into difficult shots near the rim.

Gasol notched a season-high 19 points in the contest to go with eight rebounds and six assists. His all-around effort contributed heavily to the team’s success on both sides of the floor.

The red-hot Aldridge shot over 50 percent from the field for the second consecutive game. He stuffed the stat sheet with two assists, two blocks and a steal on the night. Through 11 games this season, Aldridge has been the go-to option for coach Gregg Popovich. His post scoring and high-energy effort has kept the Spurs afloat with star Kawhi Leonard sidelined.

Sharpshooter Danny Green continued his excellent play with 24 points including four ‘Tar-Heel Triples’ on the night. In a season full of questions for San Antonio, Green has remained an essential member of the squad’s core. His on-ball defense and IQ have been two bright spots for the injury-ridden Spurs.

Notable Moments:

Forward Rudy Gay contributed 22 points on 8-13 shooting in a historic night. The 12th year swingman passed the 14,000 career point mark in the same night that he scored his 800th three-pointer. Gay, who signed with the team in free agency, has shown no signs of slowing despite rupturing his achilles in January.

Rudy Gay just reach 14,000 career points. Only six others with 14K points and 4K rebounds since 2006:LeBronDirkDurantCarmeloHowardAldridgeWestbrook

— Jordan Howenstine (@AirlessJordan) November 8, 2017

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Season-high 15 threes from the squad tonight! https://t.co/I5IpRJSXxF

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) November 8, 2017

Patty ➡️ Danny ? https://t.co/bUcIdiLiXM

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) November 8, 2017

? @KyleAnderson5 https://t.co/yIEbvBh3ut

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) November 8, 2017

The Spurs moved up to 21st in Offense with 102.9 PP/100.

The Spurs are back to being a Top-10 Defensive unit as they are ranked 10th by holding teams to 102.6 PP/100.

— Paul Garcia (@PaulGarciaNBA) November 8, 2017

Next: Spurs 2017-18 season: Player rankings for Week 3

San Antonio will face the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday evening to continue a six-game homestand. The challenge of containing Giannis Antetokounmpo, who leads the NBA in scoring, awaits them in that matchup.