Spurs tie best home start in NBA history with win over Grizzlies
Even without four key members of the rotation, including All-Star Kawhi Leonard, the San Antonio Spurs still managed to continue their run of dominance at the AT&T Center on Friday night, while tying an NBA record in the process.
LaMarcus Aldridge had arguably his strongest game as a member of the Spurs since signing with the franchise this past offseason, scoring 32 points on 12-of-16 shooting and grabbing 12 rebounds to lead San Antonio to a 110-104 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
With the victory, the Spurs tie the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls for the best home start in NBA history at 37-0. They've also won 46 home games in a row dating back to last season.
Head coach Gregg Popovich elected to sit regulars Patrick Mills, Danny Green, and Boris Diaw for rest, while Leonard was held out due to a right quad contusion he suffered on Wednesday against the Miami Heat.
The "Big 3" of veterans Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker will get their opportunity to rest their aching bodies over the next two games, as they won't be in uniform Saturday against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Monday in a rematch with the Grizzlies.
No team in NBA history has ever gone undefeated on their home floor for an entire campaign, with the 1985-96 Boston Celtics - who went on to win the NBA championship - coming the closest at 40-1.
The reigning champion Golden State Warriors are also still in the hunt for the record, as they remain unscathed at Oracle Arena (33-0).