Spurs jingle into Salt Lake City

San Antonio won the opener of its season-long eight-game road trip. On Sunday, Michael Finley scored 17 points, including a three-pointer with 1.3 seconds left in overtime as the Spurs edged the Los Angeles Lakers, 96-94, at the Staples Center.

Tim Duncan netted 21 and pulled down 14 boards in the win over the Lakers for the Spurs, who have won five of their last six games overall. Manu Ginobili finished with 21 points and seven boards, while Tony Parker added 19 points for San Antonio.

The Spurs are 16-6 on the road this season. They will also visit Phoenix, Washington, Orlando, Miami, New Jersey and Detroit on the current swing.

Utah attempts to halt a two-game losing streak this evening. Vince Carter scored 29 of his 33 points in the second half and hit a long three-pointer at the buzzer to boost the New Jersey Nets to a thrilling 116-115 win over the Jazz at the EnergySolutions Arena.

The Jazz played without forward and leading scorer Carlos Boozer, who sat out due to a bruised left knee he suffered during Saturday’s 94-83 loss to the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets. Utah coach Jerry Sloan was also absent due to the flu.

Deron Williams had 25 points and Paul Millsap tallied 16 points and 12 rebounds before fouling out in the loss to New Jersey for the Jazz. Mehmet Okur ended with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Derek Fisher scored 17 in defeat.

Boozer, who is averaging team-highs in scoring (22.1 ppg) and rebounding (11.8 rpg), is doubtful for tonight’s contest.

Utah is 16-6 as the host this season. The Jazz will visit the Phoenix Suns on Saturday at US Airways Center.

This is the third meeting of the season between the squads. The teams split the previous two contests, as both clubs picked up a win at home.

San Antonio has lost three of its last five at Utah.

The Spurs are scheduled to host Utah on March 30th at the AT&T Center in the final contest of the regular season between the clubs.