Spurs-Bobcats: Duncan's Big Block Stops Charlotte

The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Charlotte Bobcats 86-84 Monday afternoon, which was made possible by a blocked shot by Tim Duncan on the final possession of the game.

Boris Diaw did have a good look on the last shot of the game after Duncan’s big block, and the three-pointer would have won the game for the Bobcats, but it came up short. 

Tim Duncan had a strong performance today. In addition to his two blocks, he scored 17 points, pulled down 11 rebounds and dished out six assists. 

Duncan’s weakness was exposed throughout the game, as he missed six free throws, which would have made the game far easier for the Spurs. As a team, the Spurs shot 20 of 30 from the free throw line, which isn’t going to cut it come playoff time. 

Although Manu Ginobili doesn’t start, he sure does finish games. He sank two huge three-pointers with under five minutes to play. This is what really put the game in San Antonio’s favor, and provided the spark the Spurs needed to eke out the win. 

Every Spur scored today, except for the recently acquired Austin Croshere. 

Tony Parker scored 13 points and dished out 10 big assists. Roger Mason Jr. scored 12 points, and Manu Ginobili and George Hill each scored 10 points. Five Spurs scored in double-figures. 

The Bobcats were led by two ex-Suns, who the Spurs are very familiar with. Raja Bell scored a season-high 25 points and pulled down six rebounds on the game. Boris Diaw put forward a valiant effort, scoring 16 points and pulling down 12 rebounds in the loss. 

The Spurs were able to win two out of their three games on this eastern conference road trip. 

San Antonio heads home for two games this week, Tuesday night against the Indiana Pacers, and then Friday night versus the New Jersey Nets.