Spurs-Nets: Parker's Third Quarter Sparks San Antonio Victory

The San Antonio Spurs extended their winning streak to four games Friday night with a victory over the New Jersey Nets at the AT&T Center. The game ended as a nail biter, with the Spurs triumphing 94-91. 

The Spurs have won 13 of their last 16 games to bring their record to 29-13 on the season. The Nets have now lost 13 straight games against the Spurs, going all the way back to June 11, 2003. The Nets have lost five straight games with the loss. 

Tony Parker had a very productive third quarter, scoring 15 of his 17 points on the night in that frame. Parker opened up the quarter with two free throws and followed that with a jump shot. Parker came out firing in the quarter, scoring the Spurs first seven points. With Parker’s production, the Spurs went on a 15-6 run and outscored the Nets 28-16 in the quarter. 

Tim Duncan, who scored 30 points on the night, along with 14 rebounds and five assists, shot two huge bank shots with 5:43 and 4:56 left in the fourth quarter, helping the Spurs close the game out down the stretch. 

Manu Ginobili’s assist to Michael Finley with 22 seconds left resulted in a huge three-pointer to make it a two possession game, from which the Nets would not recover from. 

Devin Harris led the Nets with 25 points in the Nets loss. Vince Carter added 23 points. Brook Lopez scored 15 points and had eight rebounds on the night. 

The Spurs victory came on a night when Phoenix, Houston, and New Orleans all lost their games, putting the Spurs ahead of the Suns by 5.5 games, three games ahead of the Rockets and two games ahead of the Hornets. 

The Spurs did it with defense tonight, coming up with many critical stops in the fourth quarter to give them the opportunity to eke out the win. All of the Spurs players commented during Thursday’s practice that defense was their highest priority, and only with strong defense would they continue to win games. Their thoughts were prophetic. 

Tonight the Spurs played better defense, but I am sure Gregg Popovich will still be insisting upon further improving their defensive effort in the future, especially with road games coming up against the Lakers, Jazz, and Suns next week.