Tyler Ennis Scores 19 Points, Lakers Top Spurs 102-95
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Tyler Ennis had 19 points in place of injured starter D'Angelo Russell and the Los Angeles Lakers never trailed in a 102-95 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night.
The Lakers led by as many as 26 points in snapping an eight-game skid against the Spurs.
Making his first start of the season, Ennis had six assists and only one turnover to help Los Angeles snap San Antonio's three-game winning streak. Russell missed the game after experiencing soreness in his knee during shootaround.
The Spurs pulled within 100-95 on back-to-back 3s by Kyle Anderson and Davis Bertans, but David Nwaba's follow slam shut the door on the rally. Bertans and Tony Parker led the Spurs with 14 points each.
San Antonio played its normal starting lineup, with the exception of injured guard Danny Green, despite already clinching the Southwest Division title.
Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge did not play in the second half, however, as Spurs coach Gregg Popovich opted to rest his starting forwards. Leonard finished with 11 points in 14 minutes, and Aldridge had eight points and six rebounds in 16 minutes.
Larry Nance Jr. had six points and two rebounds in the opening four minutes as the Lakers rolled to a 31-14 lead in the first quarter.
Nance finished with 15 points and nine rebounds.
TIP-INS
Lakers: Brandon Ingram, who was initially listed as questionable, played 10 minutes despite experiencing right patellar tendinitis. "Originally he was on no minutes restriction, but with the pain (he is now)," Los Angeles coach Luke Walton said. "He really wants to play and the trainer said he should be fine." ... Tarik Black was also listed as questionable with a mild sprained left knee, but had five points in 27 minutes. ... Ennis has played in 49 games, 18 with the Lakers since being acquired in a trade with Houston.
Spurs: San Antonio G Manu Ginobili did not play after bruising his right quadriceps Tuesday against Memphis. ... Green missed his third straight game with a bruised left quadriceps. ... San Antonio played its first back-to-back games at the AT&T Center in a non-lockout shortened season since February 2009. ... Bertans has 25 blocks, one more than Leonard had his rookie season.
UP NEXT
Lakers: Host Sacramento on Friday night.
Spurs: At Dallas on Friday night.