Start Time, TV Schedule, Preview, Spurs streak is on the line

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) shoots against San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Ducan and another defender during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, in San Antonio. San Antonio, like Golden State, has proven to be a dominant force in their division and look like a lock to go deep into the postseason. It’s just up to them to decide when there is no more ink in the pen. “That’s what it’s all about”.

The San Antonio Spurs extended their winning streak to 10 games and remain unbeaten at home following Thursday’s highly anticipated contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers, whose eight-game streak was snapped in the 99-95 defeat.

This time, no dice, as Parker limited Irving to four points on 2 of 7 attempts in the first half.

Finding a way to beat San Antonio at home means unlocking the combination that will open the Spurs’ vaunted defense.

James had 37 points in the Cavaliers’ last visit to Toyota Center on March 1, but missed two free throws in the final seconds of overtime in a 105-103 loss.

“The first half we were just like flat offensively, just trying to create and make stuff happen. Even if I’m able to get around him, I know Timmy D is protecting the rim”. In 2013, the team revolved to a greater degree around the pick-and-roll playmaking of Parker. So in the second quarter, I felt like our energy was better. “So it was positive going into the third quarter”. That’s a difference of 5.7 points per game less the Spurs are allowing.

The Cavaliers scored five points in a row later in the quarter, with the first three from James followed by a dunk by Tristan Thompson to make it 90-70 with about three minutes left. And by 8:21 in the fourth, the Cavs held an eight point lead and began pulling starters. When guarded by other Spurs, James’s usage percentage increased to 62 percent.

Tony Parker led San Antonio with a game-high 24 points.

San Antonio adjusted out of a timeout, so the Cavaliers used their muscle instead.

That’s lockdown defense, and Popovich praised both Parker and Leonard for their hands in it.

“Tony has carried us a lot this year because of his two-way play”, Popovich said. From one King to Another and to the Greatest PF to Ever play this game, all Love and Respect Timmy D! That’s not easy to do, and he was still aggressive defensively. Kawhi made LeBron work for everything he had. “It was a heck of a win because we gave away the first quarter”.

Cavaliers All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving has been back for 10 games now and seems to be finding his groove.

“This was a big game for us”, West said.

San Antonio accomplished the mission.

Dwight Howard had 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Rockets, who scored a season low to end their season-best, five-game winning streak. “They were being more physical than us. They play different than most other teams”, Spurs guard Manu Ginobili said. Of course, when you have a guy like LeBron, the whole team plays differently. And as a team, we were very sharp after that first quarter. So we’re lucky that happened in the first quarter. They are long. They are athletic. This should be a close one, but I think the Cavs can bounce back and win this one on the road.

He has three important people that he can’t wait to see when he gets home.