Parker and Duncan lead Spurs past Knicks

Parker and Duncan combined to shoot 22-of-33 from the field and were the only players in double figures for the Spurs, who won their fourth consecutive game and beat the Knicks for the seventh time in the last eight meetings.

Quentin Richardson had 21 points and 11 rebounds to pace the Knicks, who continued to struggle with their fifth defeat in six games.

The Spurs never trailed, bolting to a 14-3 lead, although the Knicks did stay within striking distance a good portion of the contest. Bruce Bowen’s three- pointer made it 9-1 and New York called timeout to try and stop the surge after Duncan’s jumper expanded the margin to 14-3.

San Antonio’s lead stood at 32-21 after 12 minutes, but the advantage dwindled to six at 46-40 with 4:15 left in the second quarter. However, the Spurs scored the next nine points, capped by two free throws from Parker and the lead was 57-46 at the half.

New York got as close as five in the third, the last time when Jamal Crawford’s jumper made it 67-62 with 3:15 remaining. San Antonio, though, was able to widen the margin and was on top 76-66, going into the fourth.

A Crawford layup had the Knicks within 91-84 with 5:27 left, but the Spurs responded with an 8-0 run to put the game away.

Crawford ended with 18 points and Eddy Curry had 15 for New York.

Game Notes

Nate Robinson scored 13 and Stephon Marbury 12 for the Knicks, who forced 19 turnovers.