Manu Ginobili leads San Antonio Spurs to 111–96 win against Golden State Warriors
Manu Ginobili scored a game-high 28 points to guide the San Antonio Spurs to a 111–96 win over the Golden State Warriors at the AT&T Centre in San Antonio on Monday night. The Spurs were aggressive throughout the game, taking an 11-point lead in the first
half.
Tiago Splitter consistently made it into the paint area to add 10 points and 14 rebounds, as the San Antonio Spurs poured in 48 points-in-the-paint compared to the Warriors’ 34. Manu Ginobili and Splitter combined to add 20 points in the first quarter, as
the Spurs put pressure on the Warriors early on to take a 32–15 lead.
The Warriors responded with a 14–2 run to even things out a little. However, they still trailed 34–29 at the nine minute mark in the second quarter. Manu Ginobili then buried one from downtown to give the Spurs a nine-point lead heading into the half time
break.
The third quarter saw San Antonio step on the gas, as a three-pointer from Richard Jefferson extended their lead to 86–67 with half a minute to go. The Warriors did not convert their offensive possessions into viable scoring opportunities, committing 17
turnovers to give the Spurs an easy advantage.
The Spurs shot 49.4 percent from the floor, as they put up a balanced offensive performance which saw 11 players score. Steve Novak went 5-for-6 from the field to add 13 points off the bench for San Antonio.
The teams traded baskets regularly in a closely contested fourth period. Golden State outscored the Spurs 27-25 in the final period but were unable to wipe off the opposition’s lead. The Warriors reduced the deficit to seven points with a jump shot from
Dorell Wright halfway through the final quarter, but San Antonio weren’t willing to give up the game that easily.
The Spurs then fired off a 7-0 run to seal the game and extend their lead to 100–86. Tony Parker had a good night for the Spurs with 17 points and 15 assists.
The Warriors had four of their starters scoring in double figures with Ekpe Udoh leading the way with his 15 points and seven boards. Dorell Wright added 14 while David Lee scored 13 for the Warriors.
Spurs forward Tim Duncan only made a brief appearance in the game, clocking less than five minutes of playing time after he sprained his ankle due to an awkward landing.
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