Spurs Top Pacers, Secure First Winning Streak Since December

The San Antonio Spurs have won back-to-back games for the first time in nearly three months after putting together a double-digit comeback win against the Indiana Pacers on Thursday.

At long last, the San Antonio Spurs are beginning to get comfortable with that winning feeling again. 

No, San Antonio didn't win five more championships overnight. But as the Spurs hosted the Indiana Pacers at the AT&T Center Thursday night - the first game back home after the nine-game Rodeo Road Trip - they registered back-to-back wins for the first time since early December after using a strong second half to come away with a 110-99 win over Indiana.

The Spurs (16-47) were without coach Gregg Popovich and assistant coach Brett Brown on Thursday due to a non-COVID illness, as assistant Mitch Johnson served as acting head coach. And without Pop, the Spurs trailed for nearly the entire first half aside from the game's first minute. 

But regardless of who was barking instructions from the sideline, nothing was going to stop the Spurs during a difference-making third quarter that saw SA take a 13-point lead after trailing by as many as 11 in the first half.

Spurs standout guard Devin Vassell made his return after a 25-game absence and posted 18 points off the bench. Despite undergoing knee surgery in January, he had 10 straight points in the third, helping the Spurs break things open before maintaining a comfortable lead for most of the fourth quarter.

The Spurs also got impressive efforts from rookie forward Jeremy Sochan (22 points, 13 rebounds), Zach Collins (18 points, five assists, six rebounds) and Devonte' Graham (18 points, six rebounds).

Indiana (28-36) was without All-Star guard and leading scorer Tyrese Haliburton due to a calf injury but got a game-high 27 points from guard Buddy Hield. Second-year guard Chris Duarte (18 points, nine rebounds) and center Myles Turner (14 points) added some impactful contributions as well.

The Spurs held their opponent under 100 points for the second straight game and the fifth time this season - all which have resulted in wins for San Antonio.

With back-to-back upcoming matchups with the league-worst Houston Rockets on Saturday and Sunday, the Spurs have a strong chance at adding to their winning streak.

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You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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