Spurs defeat Kings, enter Christmas strong, 108-99: Recap, highlights and more

The San Antonio Spurs played its final game before Christmas. What was the outcome vs. the Sacramento Kings?

‘Tis the season. The San Antonio Spurs played on Dec. 23, instead of joining the Christmas Day party. Probably not the worst thing for the players, who get the day off and don’t return to the court until Tuesday.

For Saturday’s game vs. the Sacramento Kings, Kawhi Leonard did not play. The same with Danny Green. That meant another limited lineup, while other players had the opportunity to step in and step up their production in expanded roles.

Without these two starters, LaMarcus Aldridge returned to his dominant ways. He stayed efficient through all four quarters, working the midrange jump shot and finding avenues to the hoop. The Kings didn’t have an answer for him, even with Zach Randolph playing defense.

Aldridge had 29 points and 10 rebounds on 13-for-22 shooting. He looked comfortable, something to watch for, again, when Leonard returns. There were spots all around the paint to maneuver, leading to this top-end performance.

So pure. pic.twitter.com/VepjegVxRx

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 24, 2017

The night became headlined by Pau Gasol, however, who recorded his 10th career triple-double. He worked the young Kings big men, at least on offense, and found ways to stay active. It kept up his recent hot streak, too, after finding success against the Portland Trail Blazers.

The @spurs frontcourt led the way to victory tonight!

–@aldridge_12: 29 PTS, 10 REB – 42 FPTS–@paugasol: 14 PTS, 11 REB, 10 AST (#TripleDoubleAlert) – 41.2 FPTS#NBAFantasy pic.twitter.com/EOHWhm7NDd

— NBA Fantasy (@NBAFantasy) December 24, 2017