Spurs top Celtics 105-102 on Ginobili’s game winner

The Boston Celtics haven’t won in San Antonio since 2011, near the end of the Pierce/Garnett/Allen era. That was also the last year the Celtics swept the season series from the Spurs. Unfortunately, following a Manu Ginobili game-winner with five seconds to play, those streaks continue, as the Spurs won 105-102.

It wasn’t for lack of trying, especially from Kyrie Irving. Irving scored 36 points, but his game-tying three-point attempt went halfway down and out. Irving was 13-of-21 overall from the floor and 6-of-10 from three. His night started off hot with 17 points in the first quarter.

But the Celtics didn’t give their offensive leader enough help. Jayson Tatum scored 20, to go along with eight rebounds. But Al Horford was largely missing in action, as he scored just two points on 1-of-6 shooting. Horford also struggled at points to contain Aldridge, as he drew primary defensive responsibilities on the Spurs big man. Marcus Smart also had an off night, as he fouled out late in the game and didn’t provide his normal impact plays.

Jaylen Brown did score 15 points in his return to the lineup, while sporting some new goggles to protect his injured eye. Included in those 15 was this beauty:

LaMarcus Aldridge led the Spurs with 27 points. And the ageless trio of Ginobili, Pau Gasol and Tony Parker combined for 36 points. Rudy Gay also added 15 for San Antonio.

The loss snapped a four game win streak for Boston. The good news is the Cleveland Cavaliers saw their 13 games win streak end in Indiana, so the Celtics lead remains 3.5 games over the Cavs.

Boston will look to start a new streak on Sunday afternoon, as they take on the Pistons in Detroit at 4:00 PM EST.