Spurs down Pacers for first winning streak since December

The San Antonio Spurs, missing coach Gregg Popovich and assistant coach Brett Brown due to illness, beat the Indiana Pacers 110-99 at the AT&T Center Thursday night – the Spurs’ first game back home after the nine-game Rodeo Road Trip.

Got the dub at home 😎 Back at the AT&T Center on Saturday for Fiesta night! 🎉 #PorVida | @FrostBank | #ad pic.twitter.com/C3HFAZRjCf

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) March 3, 2023

Spurs assistant Mitch Johnson collected his first victory in Popovich’s absence. San Antonio has won two straight after dropping a franchise-record 16 in a row.

Rookie forward Jeremy Sochan finished with 22 points and 13 rebounds – his first career double-double, Zach Collins had 18 points, five assists, six rebounds and Devonte’ Graham contributed 18 points and six rebounds for the Spurs.

San Antonio registered back-to-back wins for the first time since early December with Devin Vassell making his return after a 25-game absence by posting 18 points off the bench.

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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.

Indiana guard Buddy Hield scored a game-high 27 points, second-year guard Chris Duarte had 18 points and nine rebounds and center Myles Turner finished with 14 points.

The Pacers (28-36) were without All-Star guard and leading scorer Tyrese Haliburton due to a calf injury.

With back-to-back home matches against the league-worst Houston Rockets on Saturday and Sunday, the Spurs have a strong chance at adding to their winning streak. Popovich is expected to return for Saturday’s game.

The Pacers visit t Chicago on Sunday.