The San Antonio Spurs defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 102 - 94, at the opening of Golden One Center on Thursday. In a game that was tight throughout, the Spurs used elite defense to pull away in the second half. In fact, San Antonio held Sacramento to 37 points on 10 - for - 35 shooting over the final 24 minutes. The Spurs outshot the Kings from the free - throw line, three - point range and from the field while also winning the turnover battle 15 - 9. Rim protection was huge as well, with San Antonio recording eight blocks and Sacramento failing to swat away a single shot. The Spurs (20) have handed over the reins to Kawhi Leonard and it was evident in this game. Leonard finished with 30 points, five assists, three rebounds and five steals in the victory. At one point, he recorded three steals and 10 points in a span where the Spurs were able to create a double - digit lead spanning between the third and fourth quarters. LaMarcus Aldridge was second on the team, as he scored 16 points to go along with his five boards. Dewayne Dedmon and David Lee came off the bench to score 12 a piece. Sacramento (1 - 1) had a tough task in the opening of their new home arena and they nearly pulled out an upset win. DeMarcus Cousins carried the load, as he totaled 37 points and 16 rebounds, while going 14 - for - 16 from the free - throw line. Rudy Gay was the only other starter in double figures, as he tallied 17 points and seven rebounds. Ty Lawson posted a seven - point, nine - assist, four - rebound line, while filling in for the suspended Darren Collison. Both teams are in action again Saturday, as the Kings play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Spurs face the visiting New Orleans Pelicans.
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