(The Sports Xchange) – LaMarcus Aldridge posted a double-double, and the short-handed San Antonio Spurs rolled into the Western Conference finals with a 114-75 victory over the Houston Rockets on Thursday at Toyota Center.
The Spurs claimed the best-of-seven Western Conference semi-final in six games by blitzing the Rockets, despite both Tony Parker (torn left quadriceps) and Kawhi Leonard (sore left ankle) being out with injuries.
Aldridge was the linchpin, posting 34 points and 12 rebounds, but he had plenty of help as the Spurs set up a date opposite the Golden State Warriors.
Jonathon Simmons added 18 points in place of Leonard, while Patty Mills chipped in 14 points and seven assists. Pau Gasol paired 10 points with 11 boards for San Antonio, who trailed 5-4 in the first quarter before rolling to victory.
