Aldridge spurs San Antonio past Toronto Raptors (AFP)

LaMarcus Aldridge scored 21 points as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Toronto Raptors 108-106 to stay on the heels of the Golden State Warriors at the top of the Western Conference. Aldridge, who also grabbed seven rebounds and two assists, on Tuesday led the scoring as the Spurs notched their fifth win on the trot to improve to 36-9, two games behind the Warriors (38-7). Toronto's defeat was their fourth straight loss however, and their challenge was hampered by the absence of DeMar DeRozan, who sprained an ankle at the weekend.