Streak finally ends in Milwaukee, 117-123.
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| The Greek Freek was too good tonight, boasting a triple-double. |
Rudy Gay would miss a close shot next and so would Patty Mills after an intentional foul, spelling the end of this historic run by the Spurs, who now fall to 65-9 on the season after a solid pair of wins over the Wizards and Jazz. Iman Shumpert shone in those two victories, tallying 53 total points, with Leonard sitting out against the Jazz.
MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo had a beastly 36 points, 16 rebounds and 19 assists with 2 blocks in this big home victory. Not far behind was recent trade deadline grab Nikola Mirotic's 28 points with 12 rebounds. Khris Middleton banged in 18 points, making four 3PTers. Bench big man Brook Lopez not only had the game-winning 3PT dagger, but also 15 points with 12 rebounds. Eric Bledsoe dished 13 assists to his teammates with 8 points. George Hill made a clutch 3PTer late.
In the narrow defeat, Rudy Gay had 29 points with 6 rebounds; Dejounte Murray gave 21 points with 8 assists. Pau Gasol had a nice game with 20 points. A cold night for Patty Mills ensued, despite 8 assists (2-10 3PT). Joakim Noah battled Giannis all game long, but came up short comparitively with 14 rebounds and 8 points, notably 4 blocks. Avery Bradley had an off night, as did Kawhi Leonard who sat out this contest. "We knew it was only a matter of time," Coach Popovich explained post-game to TNT's David Aldridge. "Milwaukee has a great team here, but our focus now as we finish up the season is the playoffs, so Kawhi didn't suit up for this one. Rudy gave us a shot to win it and Dejounte hit that shot, but it was Milwaukee's game."
The Spurs have eight games left on the season, with the playoffs around the corner. This loss splits the season series, as San Antonio won the first meeting.