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Spurs open title defense with 102-91 win over Nuggets
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-11-02 14:38
TORONTO (Reuters) - Tony Parker scored 26 points and Tim Duncan added 19
points and 10 rebounds on Tuesday as the San Antonio Spurs opened defense of its
NBA title in style with a 102-91 win over Denver Nuggets.
San Antonio Spurs
forward Tim Duncan (C) puts up a shot against Denver Nuggets center Kenyon
Martin (R) as Spurs forward Michael Finley watches during the first half
of their NBA game in San Antonio, Texas November 1, 2005.
[Reuters] | The Spurs opened the new season by celebrating last year's title, raising the
championship banner to the rafters of the SBC Center and receiving their
commemorative rings.
"I'd like to thank you for your continued support year in and year out,"
Duncan told a cheering home crowd. "We've had some good times and we'd like to
bring another championship back to San Antonio."
After the ceremony the Spurs got quickly down to business, including newcomer
Michael Finley who scored 16 points in his San Antonio debut.
Manu Ginobili chipped in with 10 points while Robert Horry had seven points
and eight rebounds.
Carmelo Anthony had 23 points and eight rebounds in a losing cause for the
Nuggets while Kenyon Martin contributed 19 points.
San Antonio led 27-21 after the first quarter but trailed 48-46 at the half.
It wasn't until the final quarter that the Spurs finally stamped their
authority on the contest, Finley hitting a three-pointer with just under nine
minutes to play, putting the home side in front to stay 79-78.
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