Spurs handle Jazz, 123-114; streak rises to 29.

The weary Spurs found themselves in yet another fight with another rival, the Utah Jazz, but strong deny-ball defense chased away Donovan Mitchell (11 points) and the overall aggression by San Antonio forced Rudy Gobert's perfect night to end abruptly, as the big French man fouled out (14 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks: 6-6 FG%) alongside Derrick Favors (19 points, 9 rebounds). 

 

Left to defend home was Ricky Rubio's playmaking of 19 points and 12 assists, but outside of the two big men, Rubio had little help, as Jae Crowder contributed 11 points with Joe Ingles going cold.The Spurs were able to rest Kawhi Leonard, hot off a demanding 44-point night in Oakland, as they commanded control early, watched it waver, then recuperated just enough to outlast Utah's rally. The Jazz actually cut the lead to four points, but Patty Mills (again) hit a 3PTer to quell their momentum. 

 

San Antonio led 92-74 after the third quarter due to strong shooting and stronger defense inside. Dejounte Murray's driving ability got him 25 points, with Mills' 18 not far behind in a rare 1-2 punch by San Antonio's point guards. Rudy Gay notched 16 points, cooling off after a nice first quarter. Shumpert had 14 points, as did Skal Labissiere with 7 rebounds and 2 blocks. Avery Bradley, Pau Gasol & Davis Bertans combined for 24 points. Most impressively, the Spurs shot 55% from 3PT distance, 12-22 overall, also crushing the Jazz bench 64-31 with 17 turnovers by the home team to boot.

 

Next, the Spurs try for consecutive win #30 in their visit to Denver, before All*Star Weekend arrives.