Spurs rout James Harden, Rockets 114-75 to win series

News

A logo for the NBA playoffs and official basketballs are seen on the court prior to Game 1 of an NBA basketball playoffs basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs, Sunday, April 21, 2013, in San Antonio, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Photo: Associated Press

HOUSTON (AP) — The San Antonio Spurs eliminated the Houston Rockets with a 114-75 victory in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals Thursday night, and they didn’t even need Kawhi Leonard to do it.

LaMarcus Aldridge had a season-high 34 points and added 12 rebounds in his second big game of the series to pick up the scoring slack with Leonard out after rolling his ankle in San Antonio’s overtime win in Game 5 on Tuesday night.

The Spurs were up by 19 by halftime in a game that was over quickly, and didn’t let up to reach the Western Conference finals for the first time since winning the title in 2014. The 4-2 series win sends them to conference finals against the Golden State Warriors.

Trevor Ariza led Houston with 20 points on a night when MVP hopeful James Harden capped his stellar season by tying a season low with 10 points on 2-of-11 shooting before fouling out with 3:15 left.

Recent Headlines

6 hours ago in Sports

Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes begins rehab after knee surgery with eye on Week 1 return in 2026

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has begun rehab following surgery to repair two torn ligaments in his left knee, and the team is optimistic the two-time MVP could be back early next season — perhaps even by the time Kansas City plays Week 1.

6 hours ago in Sports

Dolphins benching Tua Tagovailoa for rookie Quinn Ewers, AP source says

The Miami Dolphins are benching Tua Tagovailoa for rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers, a person with knowledge of the quarterback change told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

11 hours ago in Sports

Carlos Alcaraz ends 7-year partnership with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero

Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz is parting ways with his longtime coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, the man who guided him to the pinnacle of men's tennis during a remarkably successful seven-year partnership.

11 hours ago in Sports

Losing to Jake Paul would be ‘awfully embarrassing’ for Joshua, says promoter Hearn

Writing in a column for the BBC, Eddie Hearn said it was "crazy" that Anthony Joshua — a former two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist — was getting in the ring with Paul, a YouTuber-turned-boxer who is facing easily his biggest challenge yet.

1 day ago in Sports

FIFA slashes price of some World Cup tickets to $60 after global fan backlash

FIFA slashed the price of some World Cup tickets for teams' most loyal fans following a global backlash and some will get $60 seats for the final instead of being asked to pay $4,185.