Spurs streak ends at fourteen in narrow loss to Rockets, 118-123.

Despite Avery Bradley's impressive effort (17 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 6 steals, 1 block) in a win over the Dallas Mavericks, the Spurs tremendous fourteen-game win streak was snapped in Houston. 'The Beard' James Harden would not be denied, hitting a dagger three-pointer and making two clutch free throws to outrun the visiting Spurs, as they had erased a mountainous deficit on the road.

Courtesy of Kawhi Leonard's near-perfect performance (36 points, 4 steals, 15-21 FG%), San Antone had even momentarily taken the lead, but it was not to last. The defending champions made a remarkable turnaround, as per usual under pressure also dominating the paint 64-46 but surrendering 17 offensive rebounds to Houston.

The Rockets scorched the Spurs big-time in the first quarter, 38-15, and held the advantage until the third quarter, which saw the Spurs make their fierce rally, 38-23. Patty Mills made 5 three-pointers to help the cause, with 10 assists, as the Spurs cut the lead to 90-93 after the third quarter. James Harden had 29 points, 6 assists, making four 3PTers. James Ennis had a big night with 25 points (4-6 3PT). Clint Capela down low had 19 points and a dominant 18 rebounds with 2 blocks. Chris Paul had 16 points and 13 assists.

Joakim Noah, despite seven rebounds, went scoreless from the field, missing two free throws, and coughing up the ball four times, including a crucial turnover in the closing minutes. Avery Bradley came alive in the second quarter, finishing with 22 points and 2 steals. Rudy Gay had 16 points, and Pau Gasol grabbed 11 rebounds.

More discouraging was Avery Bradley's free throw split in crunch time that would have tied the game, in a battle where one point equaled one mile, as James Ennis hit a corner 3PTer to force spread. Kawhi Leonard missed a drive on San Antonio's last attempt, trying to draw the foul, with his team down by three. As a team, the Spurs uncharacteristically missed six free throws and ultimately lost by only five points.

Everything must come to an end, despite "fifteen wins in a row" having a great ring to it, and this loss only fueling the fire between these fierce rivals as we approach the halfway point of the season. "They were able to keep it close, but you could just tell they weren't quite in sync as a unit. They tried to make adjustments, but it was countered by Houston."