OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Kawhi Leonard matched a career high with 26 points, and the San Antonio Spurs rolled past the Oklahoma City Thunder 113-88 on Tuesday night for their eighth straight victory.
The defending NBA champions have won each game during their streak by double digits, and by an average of 20.9 points. Tim Duncan had 12 points, nine rebounds and four blocks for the Spurs, who still have a shot at the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
San Antonio point guard Tony Parker left the game with tightness in his right Achilles tendon and did not return.
Russell Westbrook scored 17 points for the Thunder, who lost their fourth straight and fell a half-game behind the New Orleans Pelicans for the No. 8 spot in the Western Conference standings.
Oklahoma City fell behind 35-10 early in the second quarter before responding with an 11-0 run to get the crowd back into it. The Thunder trimmed San Antonio's edge to 45-31 before the Spurs came right back with a 7-0 run.
Cory Joseph's 3-pointer at the buzzer gave the Spurs a 63-41 lead at halftime. San Antonio shot 61 percent from the field and made 8 of 11 3-pointers.
Leonard scored 23 points in the first half, then matched his career high on a 3-pointer early in the third quarter. The Spurs opened the second half on a 7-3 run to take a 70-44 lead. The Spurs led 88-57 heading into the fourth quarter.
TIP-INS
Spurs: C Tiago Splitter missed his second straight game with tightness in his right calf. ... The Spurs held the Thunder to 10 points and 4-for-21 shooting in the first quarter. It was the fewest points the Spurs have surrendered in a quarter this season and a season low for points in a quarter for Oklahoma City.
Thunder: G Andre Roberson returned after missing seven games with a sprained left ankle. ... Forwards Serge Ibaka (right knee surgery) and Nick Collison (left ankle sprain) remained out. ... The Thunder didn't score for nearly three minutes to start the game. ... Coach Scott Brooks was issued a technical foul midway through the first quarter.
UP NEXT
Spurs: Host Houston on Wednesday.
Thunder: Host Sacramento on Friday.
