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The San Antonio Spurs overcame a slow start to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 119-115 on Thursday, extending their hot streak to 18 wins in 20 games while handing the Clippers their second consecutive loss.

Los Angeles, playing without star Kawhi Leonard, jumped out to an early 14-point lead behind Darius Garland, who scored 10 first-quarter points and added two assists.

But the Spurs flipped the script in the second quarter, outscoring the Clippers 32-10 behind dominant performances from Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle to take a 14-point halftime lead.

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In the final minutes, Los Angeles repeatedly cut the deficit to single digits. With 38 seconds remaining, Garland nailed a three-pointer to bring the Clippers within four, but Spurs guards Devin Vassell and  Foxhit clutch free throws to seal the victory.

Wembanyama finished with 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Castle led San Antonio with 23 points. The Spurs’ dominance on the boards, grabbing 22 offensive rebounds, proved pivotal. Garland tallied 25 points and 10 assists for Los Angeles but struggled with eight turnovers.

San Antonio travels to face the Sacramento Kings on a back-to-back, while the Clippers visit the New Orleans Pelicans on March 19.