Spurs struggle without Duncan, again

Duncan, who was out of action for the 10th time in the Spurs’ last 11 games, returned from the injured list to score nine points last Wednesday in a win over the Los Angeles Clippers, but was sidelined for Friday’s victory over Golden State and Sunday’s loss to Sacramento.

Tony Parker scored a game-high 29 points with six assists and five rebounds for the Spurs. Manu Ginobili was the only other scorer in double figures for San Antonio with 16 points.

With the loss, the Spurs have dropped two in a row overall and four of their last five on the road.

The league’s reigning MVP missed six games with an irritation of the patellofemoral joint just above his left knee before playing against the Clippers.

Duncan is averaging 22.9 points and 12.8 rebounds over 55 games this season, both team highs.

The Spurs are 5-4 without Duncan during his current injury.