Someone might want to let the Oklahoma City Thunder know to check their rearview mirrors.
While most have penciled in the Thunder as the West’s number one seed in the playoffs, the San Antonio Spurs are making noise in the conference, and are looking to overtake that top spot.
Wednesday’s 87-86 victory over the Boston Celtics (30-23) – who are 7-3 in their last 10 games – has the Spurs (38-14) sitting just a game back on the Thunder for first place in the Western Conference and guaranteed home-court advantage throughout the postseason.
Maybe veteran leadership and experience outlasts athleticism and youth after all.
The Spurs survived a nine-point third quarter in which the Celtics cut the deficit to three heading into the fourth. Paul Pierce had a chance to win it, but his shot hit off the iron as Boston’s five-game win streak came to a hault.
Five different Spurs ended up in double figures, led by Danny Green’s 14 and Gary Neal’s 13. Tim Duncan had 10 points and 16 rebounds, while Matt Bonner finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Avery Bradley had a game-high 19 points for the Celtics. Rajon Rondo had 17 points and 11 assists, Kevin Garnett had 16, and Pierce had 15 points to go along with 10 rebounds.
Boston’s lead remains at a game and a half in the Atlantic Division, as the Philadelphia 76ers have begun to struggle as of late.
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