Duncan powers Spurs past Bobcats

Tony Parker dropped in 23 points to go with six assists and five rebounds for the Spurs, who have won two straight since suffering their only loss of the season, to Dallas.

Nick Van Exel added 12 points in the victory, while Manu Ginobili registered eight points and five assists. The Spurs shot 49 percent from the floor.

Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace was not expected to play in this game after suffering a concussion against Utah Monday. He not only suited up, but scored 15 points to lead his team.

Primoz Brezec had 13 points and seven rebounds for Charlotte, which has dropped two straight. Brevin Knight added 10 points and eight assists for the Bobcats, while Emeka Okafor finished with 11 points and seven rebounds.

The Spurs used an 11-6 run at the end of the first quarter to assume a 27-19 advantage, and took a 48-43 lead into the locker room on the strength of a turnaround jumper by Parker.

Two converted free throws by Duncan stretched the advantage to 61-50 midway through the third.

Charlotte would not let the deficit widen, though, and actually whittled the lead down to seven points in the waning moments of the game after Keith Bogans converted on a reverse layup.

Parker hit a driving layup with 59 seconds remaining and Ginobili followed with a pair of free throws to secure the win.

Game Notes

San Antonio’s Michael Finley (groin) and Brent Barry (back) did not play...This was just the second Bobcat game this year that didn’t go into overtime...Charlotte is now 0-3 all-time against the Spurs...The Spurs are 2-1 on the road this season...The Bobcats are now 1-2 at home...Charlotte led the Spurs in fast break points (14-9) and points in the paint (46-44).