NBA ROUNDUP : Spurs Find Playing the Nuggets Brings Out the Best in People

The Denver Nuggets and the Spurs went at a blistering record pace in the first half Wednesday night at San Antonio.

The Spurs, who trailed, 90-83, after 24 minutes, played some defense in the second half and pulled out a 161-153 victory.

David Robinson, who had a career-high 43 points, and the Spurs took charge in the third quarter when they outscored Denver, 42-26.

It was the fourth loss in a row for the Nuggets, trying to win with Coach Paul Westhead’s fast-paced concept that worked so well at Loyola Marymont.

Despite another high-scoring defeat, they were responsible for two NBA records. Their 90 points in the first half broke the record by one point. The two-team total of 173 also was a record. The old standard was 170.

The two-team game total of 314 was only fifth best. The record of 320 was set last Thursday by the Nuggets and Golden State.

“They make you play a career-night type game,” said Sean Elliott, who had a personal high 29 points. “We did get tired in the second quarter, but we found our second wind and they ran out of gas.”

Westhead said he is waiting for his team to sustain the attack for a full game.

“We’re generating offense,” he said, “but we have to do it for 48 minutes. Then, we’ll be tough.”

Chicago 96, Minnesota 91--Scoring champion Michael Jordan played brilliantly in the first three games of the season and his Bulls lost them all.

Jordan had an off night at Minneapolis and the Bulls won. B.J. Armstrong came the bench to score 10 of his 14 points in a decisive 18-8 run in the third quarter.

Jordan, suffering from the flu, took only 14 shots. He had 17 points, five rebounds and six assists.

Phoenix 126, Golden State 119--Eddie Johnson came off the bench to score 17 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter at Phoenix to break open a tight game.

The Suns led by only 100-99 with seven minutes left, but Johnson, 16 for 25 from the field, went on a spree and the Warriors lost their 10th in a row at Phoenix.

Johnson sank two jump shots and two driving layups in a run that gave the Suns (2-1) a 115-103 lead, and the Warriors were out of it.

Kevin Johnson had 14 assists for the Suns.

Dallas 104, Philadelphia 101--While some are concerned because 6-foot-11 forward Roy Tarpley weighs 260 pounds, the Mavericks have to be satisfied with his production.

Tarpley had 26 points and 11 rebounds at Philadelphia to lead the Mavericks to their third victory in a row.

Dallas scored only 85 points at Minnesota in its opener and Tarpley was six for 17 from the field. In the three victories he is 32 for 56 (71.4%).

It was the 76ers’ first loss after two victories.

Cleveland 100, Charlotte 89--The Hornets cooled after shooting 71% early and leading by 12 points at Richfield, Ohio.

The Cavaliers broke it open with a 30-15 margin in the third quarter, and Larry Nance scored eight of his 21 points in the fourth quarter to thwart the Hornets’ hopes.