Spurs deal Thunder’s hopes a blow (AFP)

The San Antonio Spurs, hitting their stride as the playoffs arrive, dealt Oklahoma City a crushing 113-88 defeat in another blow to the Thunder's post-season hopes. Kawhi Leonard poured in 26 points in just 24 minutes for the defending NBA champion Spurs, who dominated from start to finish. The Thunder endured their fourth straight defeat and fell out of the eighth and final Western Conference playoff spot. The Thunder fell one half-game behind New Orleans in the race for the eighth seed after the Pelicans defeated Golden State 103-100 on Tuesday.