Spurs surrender lead after Celtics comeback, 87-98.

Irving & Tatum led the rally for Boston.

The Spurs had themselves a lead on the road in this contentious low-scoring game, but the resilient home team came through and took over, with Jayson Tatum making two huge 3PTers and Kyrie Irving besting Avery Bradley's defense early-on.

It was Kawhi Leonard's flawless first half showing that got people talking, a shame it didn't lead to a victory. The Claw had 18 points on 8/8 shooting in just 15 minutes, the Spurs leading 34-30 at halfitme. Irving had 14 at that point. Midway through the third quarter, the Spurs went up 46-36 but then the rally took place: a 28-19 outing in the 3rd and forty points in the final quarter over 34 by the Spurs.

Kawhi Leonard finished with 30 points, not getting much help from his crewmates. Patty Mills had just 11 points on an icy 3-11 performance. Avery Bradley went similarly 3-10, getting just one steal on Irving. Joakim Noah had 7 points with 10 rebounds, as did Pau Gasol, but the Spurs clearly needed more as a unit, despite winning the boards. The Celtics had 22 fast-break points to the Spurs' 13, shooting 49% overall and making one more 3PTer than the Spurs, who also missed four free throws.

Kyrie Irving had 29 points, making 4-6 from distance, with 9 assists. Jayson Tatum had 19 points; Jaylen Brown had 16; Marcus Morris had 11 points and Al Horford's strong double-double (11 points, 15 rebounds) helped swing the outcome. Gordon Hayward had just 7 points, not shooting his best.