No lead is safe in the modern NBA. The San Antonio Spurs learned that lesson in Sunday’s home opener against the Brooklyn Nets. The Spurs’ 26-point lead, built over the course of roughly 27 minutes, became a 1-point deficit with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter. Thanks to the heroics of their superstar and his new rookie teammate, the Spurs were able to pull out their second-straight clutch victory, 118-107.

“There were similarities to the New Orleans (Pelicans) game,” Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson said. “You don’t blow teams out or lead for 48 minutes in this league… When you give teams or players life, when you assist in that… Now they make shots. Now one of your shots goes in and out. A tough whistle here and there. That’s where we need to continue to get more consistent.”

The N

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