Oklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs

LaMarcus Aldridge, Dejounte Murray power Spurs past Thunder

Aldridge was the benefactor of Murray's improved play at point guard, scoring a season-high 39 points to help San Antonio roll over the Thunder 121-112.

"I tell him every day, you're too great of a player to just go missing in action," Murray said. "It's on me being a point guard and the rest of the team. We've got to make sure a guy like that is well involved early from the jump."

Murray had a career-high 10 assists along with 17 points and 8 rebounds. The 22-year-old played 26 minutes as San Antonio continues to restrict his play after he missed last season following right knee surgery.

Murray, who was averaging 3.0 turnovers per game, had seven turnovers in back-to-back losses entering Thursday's game.

"I've got to stop being sloppy," Murray said.

The Spurs had a season-high 32 assists in snapping their two-game skid. DeMar DeRozan added 16 points and nine assists for the Spurs.

Danilo Gallinari scored 27 points and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 21 for the Thunder, who entered the game on a two-game winning streak.

"We were hanging around there, we just couldn't get enough stops," Oklahoma City coach Billy Donovan said.

Aldridge finished 19-for-23 from the field and made 10 consecutive shots bridging the first and second halves.

"LaMarcus was a beast, his rhythm was really good," San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said. "He shot quickly, he made quick decisions and he also passed it out of there when he got doubled or there was a crowd. He did a great job of finding other people. He played a really smart game offensively."

Aldridge had a combined 22 points and shot 8-for-23 during the Spurs' two-game skid but made a 21-foot jumper against the Thunder to open the game.

"I definitely put the work in," Aldridge said. "Just waiting for my shot to come back. The first one felt good, after that I just tried to stay with it."

Chris Paul had 19 points and five assists in 31 minutes.

TIP-INS

Thunder: Oklahoma City's most recent win in San Antonio was Dec. 25, 2014. Russell Westbrook had 34 points and 11 assists in the 114-106 victory. ... Mike Muscala played one minute. Muscala has played just 22 minutes in five games after signing with the Thunder in the offseason.

Spurs: Derrick White rode a stationary bike to keep his back loose when he wasn't in the game. White injured his back after falling to the court Sunday against the Los Angeles Lakers following a foul by Dwight Howard on a layup attempt. ... San Antonio set a season high with 33 points in the opening quarter.

BIG THREE TO BIG BRO

Spurs assistant coach Tim Duncan is mentoring Murray just as he once did for another Spurs point guard, Tony Parker.

"That's a big bro for me for sure," Murray said. "As far as right now, he's coach, Coach Tim. Man, the knowledge he has, just everything around. He's always there trying to help me in everything, whether it's in the gym or [watching] film. Having a great dude like that around really helps."

UP NEXT

Thunder: Host Golden State on Saturday night.

Spurs: Host Boston on Saturday night.

Regular Season Series

SA leads series 1-0