San Antonio Spurs Team Report - February 23

(Basketball News) - Tony Parker scored 26 points and Tim Duncan added 25, as the San Antonio Spurs fought off numerous second-half rallies to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 94-92 on Sunday at the Target Center.

Parker scored 16 of his points in a strong first half for the Spurs, who made up some ground in the Midwest Division and now trail Minnesota by three games. Hedo Turkoglu added 13 points and a game-high 14 rebounds in the win, San Antonio’s seventh in eight games.

The Timberwolves trailed by as many as 12 points in the first half and 11 in the third quarter, but cut their deficit to 70-64 heading into the fourth. They later closed within three points at 84-81 when Kevin Garnett capped a 7-1 spurt, but San Antonio responded with two quick buckets and went ahead 88-81 on Duncan’s rebound dunk with 3:00 remaining.

Three free throws from Latrell Sprewell with 19.2 seconds remaining re-kindled the Timberwolves’ comeback hopes and pulled them within 90-88, but the game came down to free throws for the Spurs, and they made 4-of-6 to provide just enough room.

Minnesota had one last good chance with six ticks left on the clock after a Manu Ginobili miss at the line, but Sam Cassell was well guarded bringing the ball up the court and Sprewell hesitated beyond the arc at the buzzer.

Duncan shot just 8-of-24 from the floor, while Parker finished an impressive 12-of-22.

The Spurs are off until Tuesday when they host Midwest Division rival Houston.