San Antonio Spurs All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge was back last Wednesday after missing two games due to a sprained left ankle and played well to help his team to an 88–83 home victory over the Dallas Mavericks. 

Aldridge played for 35 minutes, tallying 18 points, seven rebounds, one assist, and one rejection in his comeback. 

The 30-year-old forward suffered the injury in their loss to the New Orleans Pelicans last Nov. 20 and missed their next two games against the Memphis Grizzlies and the Phoenix Suns, which still resulted to wins despite his absence. 

In the Spurs' defeat to New Orleans, Aldridge stepped on Pelicans forward Alonzo Gee's foot which resulted to the injury and the latter heading to the locker room in the first quarter of that game. 

After getting the ankle attended to, Aldridge returned in the second quarter and finished with a double-double in a losing effort. 

But his efforts paid off last Wednesday as the Spurs extended their winning streak to three games with the win over Dallas. 

Helping Aldridge in the win was 2014 Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) forward Kawhi Leonard who led all scorers for San Antonio with 26 points that came along with eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals. 

Leonard made a crucial three-pointer in the closing moments of the fourth quarter to help his team seal the victory. 

"Tonight, I got a chance to make some shots for the team to win the game. That's what happened," the 24-year-old said, according to the Associated Press. 

Along with Aldridge and Leonard, veteran point guard Tony Parker also had a standout game facing the Mavericks as he contributed 16 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. 

The victory gave the Spurs a 12–3 record, enough for the second spot in the Western Conference standings just behind the unbeaten defending champions, the Golden State Warriors (16–0). 

Up next for the Spurs will be a road trip today, Friday, to take on the Denver Nuggets.