Spurs build streak at Mavericks’ expense

Kawhi Leonard had 24 points and nine rebounds, and the host San Antonio Spurs escaped with a 96-91 victory over the struggling Dallas Mavericks on Monday night for their sixth straight victory.

Seth Curry of Dallas matched a career high with 23 points, shooting five for 10 on three-point attempts in the sixth consecutive loss for the Mavericks, who are 2-11.

With the Mavericks trailing 92-91, Dallas’ Harrison Barnes missed a 17-footer with 15 seconds left that Manu Ginobili rebounded before being fouled. Ginobili hit two free throws to extend the lead to 94-91.

Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich was dissatisfied with his team, despite the win.

“That was a pathetic performance on the part of the Spurs,” he said. “I thought we showed ... a lack of respect for the opponent.”

Memphis 105, at Charlotte 90: Mike Conley had 31 points in the Grizzlies’ fifth straight win, including a three-pointer with four minutes left that thwarted a Hornets rally.

Golden State 120, at Indiana 83: Klay Thompson scored 25 points in 26 minutes as the Warriors won their eighth straight. The Pacers’ were without three-time All-Star Paul George, starting center Myles Turner and backup forward C.J. Miles because of injuries.

Boston 99, at Minnesota 93: The Celtics opened the fourth quarter on a 17-0 run, erasing a 13-point deficit, and Isaiah Thomas finished with 29 points. Karl-Anthony Towns had 27 points and 18 rebounds for the Timberwolves.

Houston 99, at Detroit 96: James Harden had 28 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds, lifting the Rockets. The Pistons, who got 26 points from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, have lost four in a row.

at Milwaukee 93, Orlando 89: Giannis Antetokounmpo had his first triple-double of the season — 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists — to lead the Bucks, who snapped a three-game losing streak.

at Washington 106, Phoenix 101: Bradley Beal scored a career-high 42 points and John Wall shook off a poor shooting night with seven key points for the Wizards down the stretch. Devin Booker scored 30 for Phoenix.

at Philadelphia 101, Miami 94: Joel Embiid’s 22 points included four late free throws, helping the 76ers win their fourth home game in a row. The Heat’s Hassan Whiteside set a career high with 32 points.

at Clippers 123, Toronto 115