NBA Roundup : Without Gervin, Spurs Beat 76ers for Third Win in a Row, 109-103

Buoyed by Artis Gilmore’s strong rebounding and a tight defense, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 109-103, Monday night at San Antonio.

Moses Malone scored 26 points for the 76ers (46-15), but the Spurs held Julius Erving to only 12 en route to their third win in a row.

The Spurs (31-31) won even without guard George Gervin, out with a bruised shoulder. They were 0-6 in games without him last season.

Erving, who is averaging 20 points per game, scored only one point in the first quarter and had only eight points in the first half. Gilmore was the Spurs’ high scorer with 23 points.

Cleveland 108, Golden State 104--At Oakland, World B. Free scored 25 points as the Cavaliers (24-37) won their fifth straight game.

The Warriors (16-45) were playing with regular starting center Jerome Whitehead, who missed the game because of a sprained ankle. Another Warrior, forward Purvis Short, was ejected from the game late in the first half after drawing two technical fouls.

Short said something to referee Dick Bevatta after drawing a foul and was charged with a technical. Short chased after the official, was held back by teammate Larry Smith, and was then charged with a second technical. He had 15 before being ejected.

Dallas 107, Phoenix 99--At Phoenix, Mark Aguirre scored 27 points, 19 in the first half, as the Mavericks handed the Suns their 10th loss at home this season in 31 games.