Following the All-Star break, which was replaced by the G-League International Challenge, the Legends are back on the court looking to gain momentum before the playoffs as the Austin Spurs made their way to Frisco.

Some new faces have made their way onto the Legends roster since their last game. Donald Sloan signed a deal to join the Guangdong Southern Tigers of the Chinese CBA for their playoff run. In Sloan’s absence, the Legends added guards Duke Mondy and Damon Lynn to the roster.

Coming into tonight’s game, the Spurs sat atop the Western Conference as the Legends sit two games behind in third place.

To start the game, both Texas teams showed why they’re atop the Western Conference. Jalen Jones set the tone early for the Legends with 22 points in the first half as he attacked the basket at will, including a few monstrous slams. Darrun Hilliard, who has spent some time with the San Antonio Spurs this season, helped lead the Spurs to a 69-68 halftime lead.

The third quarter is where the Legends took control of the game, outscoring the Spurs 42-26. Jones continued his scoring as Johnathan Motley and Jameel Warney began to dominate the paint as we’re so accustomed to seeing. 

Though Hilliard continued to pour the points on, finishing with 31 for the game, it wasn’t enough to catch the Legends, as they knock off the best record in the West, 134-123. 

Jameel Warney led the way with 33 points on 15-20 shooting. Jalen Jones finished with 29 points and eight rebounds while Johnathan Motley charted 23 points and 11 rebounds. 

“I’m a bucket,” Warney joked after his dominant performance. “My teammates did a great job of feeding me. I was just being aggressive and I’m glad we got the win.” 

Keith Hornsby, who is still finding his way back into the lineup after being out two months with an injured shoulder, scored 13 points off the bench. “It was important. The break was big for me. I was able to get back in the gym and work on my own game.”

With Sloan off to China and Collinsworth being called up by the Mavs, Hornsby’s contribution in the backcourt will be big for the Legends as they make their playoff push. “I think I showed a little bit of my increased lock-in tonight. Hopefully it sustains itself.” 

The Legends will look to build on tonight’s win on Friday as they face-off against the Northern Arizona Suns.