SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Spurs did what they had to do in a way they needed to -- they got a good win over a bad team.
The Spurs beat the Orlando Magic, 108-72, to end a three-game losing streak.
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The Spurs dominated from the second quarter on, and were as sharp on the defensive end as they were on the offensive end.
The Spurs scored 38 points in the second quarter and were leading 96-57 after three quarters, their seventh-largest lead in franchise history after three quarters
San Antonio had six players in double figures. LaMarcus Aldridge missed Monday night's game against Houston, but was ready against the Magic. He was the high-scorer with 24 points and seven rebounds before sitting during the fourth quarter.
"I definitely have to go out and play well, and lead these guys. That was my goal tonight," Aldridge said.
After losing three in a row on the road and playing some porous defense as of late, one of the goals coming into Tuesday's game was to get their defense on track.
"I think it has been something that has been missing and for the most part of the season, it's just being able to be on the front foot aggressively, " said Patty Mills, who scored 13 points.
"I thought the defense was very good," said Gregg Popovich.
The Spurs picked up 10 steals, blocked seven shots and the Magic's 72 points was the lowest point total for an opponent this season.
"Winning is always good, but how we won tonight, we never gave up. We played for 48 minutes and the main goal was defense," said Dejounte Murray, who scored 11 points and had a couple of steals.
Despite the win, the Spurs didn't get much help from any other teams so they are still outside of the playoff picture.
"Every game for us is a playoff game, just trying to gain position, get back into it," Aldridge said.
Although he was at the game, Kawhi Leonard did not play and is waiting to get cleared by his medical staff.
One has to wonder just how he feels. He sat on the floor along the baseline instead of a chair. Popovich was asked why none of the young players gave up their seat.
"Tough group, tough crowd, I guess when he starts playing we'll give him a seat," Popovich jokingly said.