Spurs dominate Lakers from start to finish, 119-85
The Lakers were thoroughly outclassed on Friday night, getting dominated in San Antonio by the Spurs, 119-85.
Playing on the second night of back-to-back games, the Lakers fell behind quickly in the first quarter and were completely out of contention by the halftime.
Although the Lakers were only outscored by seven points in the second half, the Spurs had built a big enough lead by halftime, 61-34, that they didn't have to strain to get the win.
Spurs power forward Tim Duncan played only 15 minutes, finishing with nine points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots. Point guard Tony Parker also had an easy night, playing 14 minutes and scoring seven points.
Danny Green was the only Spurs' starter in double figures with 15 points while San Antonio had five reserves with at least 10 points.
Meanwhile, the Lakers shot 34.1% from the field and 19% from three-point range. Power forward Pau Gasol tallied a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, along with four blocks, in only 26 minutes.
Jodie Meeks scored 15 but shot 5-17 from the field. Kent Bazemore was the only other Laker in double-figures, with 10 off the bench.
The Lakers fall to 22-44 on the season, 27 1/2 games behind the first-place Spurs (49-16).
The Spurs host the Utah Jazz (22-43) on Sunday before visiting the Lakers on Wednesday.
The Lakers gave a better performance in the third quarter, but not enough to make a dent against the Spurs.
Pau Gasol has 18 points and 11 rebounds after three quarters while Wesley Johnson contributed nine for the Lakers, who "improved" their shooting 32.8% from the field for the game.
The Spurs didn't need much help from Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, both playing in the 14-15 minute range. Danny Green has 15 points to lead the Spurs, who shot 48% from the field and 50% from three-point range (11-22).
The Lakers hit just 17.6% from long distance (3-17) but made up some ground on the line, taking 19 free throws to the Spurs' eight.
The Lakers simply didn't compete in the first half against the Spurs, falling behind by 27 points.
Pau Gasol leads all scorers with 12 points but he needed 12 shots to get there (making five). Gasol also collected 10 rebounds and blocked three shots in 18 minutes of play.
Meanwhile, the Lakers shot only 26.2% from the field with nine turnovers.
The Spurs had 12 different players score in the first half, with Danny Green leading the way at nine points.
San Antonio shot 44.6% from the field and dominated the boards, 35-22.
LaTimes
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