Duncan helps Spurs edge Hornets

Brent Barry added 15 points, including four three-pointers in the fourth quarter for San Antonio, which has won five straight and 18 of its last 20 games. Michael Finley donated 13 points and Manu Ginobli 12 for the Spurs, currently sit in third place in the Western Conference

Chris Paul deposited 20 points and nine assists, and Tyson Chandler had 10 points and 12 rebounds for the Hornets, who have lost three of their last four and 10 of their last 14 games. David West added 16 points, Jannero Pargo 13 and Rasual Butler 12 for New Orleans/Oklahoma City, which entered the night 2 1/2 games back of the Los Angeles Clippers for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Barry’s third triple of the fourth quarter tied the contest at 77-77 with 6:39 to go. Finley then drilled a three on the Spurs next possession putting San Antonio ahead. Pargo got into the act with a three of his own and the score was knotted at 80-80 with 5:37 left to play.

Less than a minute later, Finley connected on another triple and San Antonio led 84-80 with 4:45 to go.

Chandler’s alley-oop dunk pulled the Hornets within one, 85-84 and Paul’s two free throws on a later possession put New Orleans/Oklahoma City ahead 88-87 with 1:42 left.

Moments later, Finley stole the ball on an errant Paul pass attempt and Barry sank his fourth and final three of the quarter, giving the Spurs a 90-88 edge with 17.9 ticks remaining.

The Hornets then had two chances to win out of a timeout, but Butler and West both misfired and Paul was whistled for a foul with 1.2 seconds to go. Jacque Vaughn then hit both free throws to ice the game.

New/Orleans led 52-46 at the intermission and extended the margin to nine, 75-66 heading into the final quarter.

Game Notes

New Orleans shot 47 percent from the field and 61.5 percent from three-point range, while San Antonio shot 43.6 percent from the field and 39.3 from long- distance...New Orleans outrebounded San Antonio, 38-35...New Orleans finished with 20 turnovers, San Antonio 10...The Spurs completed the four-game series sweep with the Hornets and have won seven straight over New Orleans/Oklahoma City overall...Duncan made his first three-pointer of the season midway through the second quarter.