Lakers Vs. Spurs: San Antonio Wins 97-82, Marking L.A.‘s Third Straight Double-Digit Defeat

Hill was unwilling to back down, and for good reason: he did nothing beyond the pale, at least on this possession. Kobe stuck a finger in Hill’s face in an intimidation attempt, and Hill went right back at him. The Spurs have never backed down from the Lakers, so perhaps this type of unfearing reaction is rivalry-specific. But if not, prepare for other NBA players to smell the Lakers’ blood in the water and come at them in overly aggressive fashion.

Hill, in fact, told the San Antonio Express-News’ Jeff McDonald that Kobe’s expression of anger was a sign Hill’s defense was where it needed to be.

But San Antonio was able to get more done throughout the game, taking big leads in the first and third quarters before pulling away in the final period.

The Spurs have now opened up a six-game lead on the Lakers in the race for home court advantage in the Western Conference. San Antonio has a league-best 27-4 record, while L.A. falls to 21-10.