Spurs rebound to beat Rockets 121-96 in Game 2, but lose Tony Parker

(AP Photo/Eric Gay)

SAN ANTONIO – Kawhi Leonard had 34 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs overcame the loss of Tony Parker to beat the Houston Rockets 121-96 on Wednesday night and even the Western Conference semifinals at one game apiece.

Parker did not return after hurting his left leg with 8:43 remaining in the game. Spurs officials said Parker will undergo an MRI on Thursday morning.  

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Parker fell to the court after missing an uncontested short jumper. He grabbed his left knee immediately upon landing and remained on the court for a few minutes.

He attempted to walk, but had to be basket carried by teammates to the back. 

“It doesn’t look good,” said Gregg Popovich during his post game press conference.

“I saw him right after the game and he was in pain,” said Manu Ginobili. "You kind of know we're not going to see him any time soon."

Parker had scored 18 points before the injury in a game that was a complete turnaround from Game 1.

The Spurs made some adjustments for Game 2. Popovich started Pau Gasol in place of David Lee at center and it paid off big time. 

The Spurs got off to a better start in the first quarter and led at halftime 65-55.

The Rockets cut the Spurs lead to five near the end of the third quarter, but the Spurs went on a 9-0 run early in the fourth quarter to give themselves some distance, and ultimately close out the game.

San Antonio got solid performances from Danny Green (12 points), LaMarcus Aldridge (15 points) and Jonathan Simmons who came off the bench to add 14 points.

Houston point guard James Harden was limited to 13 points on 3-for-17 shooting. 


About the Authors:

RJ Marquez is the traffic anchor/reporter for KSAT’s Good Morning San Antonio. He also fills in as a news anchor and has covered stories from breaking news and Fiesta to Spurs championships and high school sports. RJ started at KSAT in 2010. He is proud to serve our viewers and be a part of the culture and community that makes San Antonio great.