Lonnie Walker’s career night sparks Spurs’ comeback against Rockets

By: Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Down by 8 with 1:07 left in the final canto, the San Antonio Spurs needed a lift to spark a miraculous comeback.

Answering the call was the emerging Lonnie Walker, who created an 8-0 run all by himself to equalize and force overtime against the Houston Rockets, turning things around to deliver the much-needed victory for the Spurs, 135-133, in double OT.

James Harden did what he usually does best, sinking a staggering amount free throws (24 total) against the tough interior defense of the Spurs.

The Rockets looked to pull-away and score another easy win as they had their largest lead up to 22 in the third quarter.

Coach Gregg Popovich then relied on his young guys to deliver, with Bryn Forbes and Walker combining for 53 points to help the silver and black climb back from a 22-point deficit.

Walker’s 19-point fourth quarter made the AT&T Center go wild, carrying the Spurs in one of the most terrific comeback wins of the season.

Walker chalked up 28 points and 4 boards, while Forbes added 25 big points, 4 dimes, and 2 rebounds.

Meanwhile, the Miami Heat routed the Toronto Raptors in OT, 121-110, with Jimmy Butler earning another triple-double with 22 points, 12 assists, and 13 rebounds.

In the west, the Los Angeles Clippers gave the Portland Trailblazers a drubbing defeat, 117-97, with Montrezl Harrell unstoppable underneath, scoring 26 points and 9 boards.

Lebron James and the Los Angeles Lakers continue to roll after edging the Denver Nuggets, 105-96, behind James’ near triple-double night with 25 points, 9 dimes, and 6 boards.

In the battle of the young and upcoming teams, the Dallas Mavericks got the better of the New Orleans Pelicans, 118-97, with Luka Doncic leading the team scoring 33 points and notching 18 big rebounds.