HOUSTON – It appeared the Spurs had this one in the bag. Gregg Popovich would be able to rest starters by the middle of the fourth quarter after protecting a 16-point lead on the road.
If that was the plan, the Houston Rockets spoiled it.
Sparked by Eric Gordon (season-high 27 points) and James Harden (25 points and 13 assists), the Rockets went on a 24-12 run to pull within four, threatening a potential two-game win streak. The Spurs held on, though, beating their division rival 106-100 on Saturday at Toyota Center.
Kawhi Leonard finished with a team-high 20 points, LaMarcus Aldridge added 16, and Pau Gasol recorded 15 points, seven rebounds and six assists.