Spurs vs. Lakers recap, reactions: Spurs fall to Lakers 122-112 in OT
By Ryan Kostrzewa
Following a fourth-quarter meltdown against the Clippers, the San Antonio Spurs lost the second game of a back-to-back against the Lakers 122-112 in overtime.
With only four games remaining in the regular season, the San Antonio Spurs found themselves with another chance to inch closer to a playoff spot in Los Angeles. Following Tuesday night’s fourth-quarter meltdown against the Clippers, the Silver and Black needed two more wins or one win and a loss by the Denver Nuggets to earn their way in. The Lakers started the year slow but improved as the season went on, and have defeated the Spurs in both of their matchups so far.
The teams appeared evenly matched for much of the first half. The Spurs shot a low percentage, allowing the more athletic Lakers to take advantage of the transition defense. With the game tied 15-15, the Spurs went on a 15-7 run to take an 8-point lead. The Lakers responded with a 10-0 run into the second quarter to take a two-point lead.
Dominant post play by Pau Gasol and LaMarcus Aldridge kept their squad in the game, and San Antonio managed to take a three-point lead into halftime 61-58. Aldridge continued to cruise, scoring 12 points in the third quarter to push the Spurs lead to 8 at 87-79. In the closing minutes of the fourth quarter, Tyler Ennis made a three-pointer to give the Lakers the lead.
Playing from behind, several plays by Dejounte Murray kept San Antonio close. With the game tied, the Ennis drove hard but missed the layup, sending the game to overtime 108-108.
In overtime, the Lakers jumped out to a quick lead and scored the first 6 points of the period as the Spurs continued to struggle with the fast break. Patty Mills stopped the run with a jumper to cut the deficit to four, but the Lakers run continued and the Spurs never caught up and ultimately lost the game 120-112.
LaMarcus Aldridge led the team with 28 points on 12-20 shooting, and Dejounte Murray notched 23 points and 10 rebounds. Kyle Kuzma led the Lakers with 30 points, and Kentavius Caldwell-Pope and Channing Frye scored 19 a piece.
Final from LA. pic.twitter.com/7PYJJdMFTG
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 5, 2018
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The Spurs will again try to clinch a playoff berth against the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday at 8:00 PM CST.