Fundamentals Lead San Antonio Spurs Past Toronto Raptors



Pass, rebound and don’t turn the ball over. That was the game-plan for the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and they executed it to perfection.

Led by Tony Parker‘s 25 points, the Spurs managed to get past a red-hot Toronto Raptors team, who had won four out of their last five games before coming back to earth.

The Spurs out-rebounded the Raptors 50-40, had five more assists and only 13 total turnovers in the victory. Kawhi Leonard and Tim Duncan were able to set the tone in the post with 22 combined rebounds, while Parker dished out eight assists.

The Raptors, who were led by Terrence Ross and Kyle Lowry (23 points each), still have a lot to be excited about despite the loss. They have improved their play since the big Rudy Gay trade, and still managed to keep up with the Spurs for most of the night. They are currently owners of the No. 4 seed, a surprising feat given their 11-5 record. They will look to catch the Atlanta Hawks (15-13) for the third seed in a weak Eastern Conference.

This win is huge for the Spurs (22-6), as they are battling the Oklahoma City Thunder (22-5) and the Portland Trail Blazers (23-5) for the No. 1 seed in the West. San Antonio is still the No. 3 seed, but the gap is closing very quickly, as they are just one game back from the top playoff spot.

The Spurs are scheduled to battle the Houston Rockets on Christmas day, while the Raptors will take on the New York Knicks Dec. 27.

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