Watch: LaMarcus Aldridge, Patty Mills Lift Spurs To Win Vs. Mavericks

LaMarcus Aldridge and Patty Mills scored season-highs of 32 and 19 points respectively to propel the San Antonio Spurs to a 97-91 victory over the hopeless Mavericks in Dallas on Tuesday night.

Spurs vs. Mavericks Game Score

The win was also a milestone for Gregg Popovich: he is now the fastest NBA coach to 500 road victories. Popovich reached the mark in 835 away games, 41 less than Pat Riley. Those two and Don Nelson are the only coaches to have reached that mark.

”I think I’m definitely more confident and I’m playing my game more this year,” Aldridge said. ”I think Pop definitely has tweaked some things where I can be myself more out there and play more confident, and it’s working out for us.”

Popovich praised the forward, who is in his second year with the Spurs (9-5), who led 44-39 at halftime on Tuesday.

”He’s been our most consistent player,” Popovich said. ”His effort level every night has been off the charts. He’s been a leader for us, helping the younger guys and new guys understand the system.”

Aldridge is averaging almost 23 points per game this season, while San Antonio misses starters Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker.

Mills scored 13 points in the first six minutes of the second quarter, including three 3s.

Rookie Dennis Smith Jr. led the Mavericks (2-13) with a career-high 27 points and J.J. Barea and Harrison Barnes had 16 each. Dallas has begun the season 2-13 for the second straight year.

After trailing by double digits in the second half, Dallas trimmed the lead to 62-61early in the fourth.

The Mavericks are still missing guard Devin Harris, who missed his second consecutive game with bruised ribs, and Dorian Finney-Smith was also out Tuesday with left quad tendinitis.

San Antonio next faces the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Wednesday.

The Mavericks also next face the Timberwolves at home Friday night.

DALLAS, TX – NOVEMBER 14: LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs takes a shot against Salah Mejri #50 of the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on November 14, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)