Bulls Begin Trip by Having 13-Game Winning Streak End at San Antonio

The six-game trip that probably will determine whether the Chicago Bulls can set an NBA record for victories began on a sour note Tuesday night at San Antonio.

David Robinson intimidated the Bulls and scored a layup with 20 seconds left to assure the Spurs a 109-104 victory and end Chicago’s 13-game winning streak.

Despite the usual brilliance of Michael Jordan, who scored 25 of his 39 points in the second half, the Bulls lost for the second time in their last 20 games.

Their record fell to 37-6. Chicago is still on a pace to become the first NBA team to win 70 games. But, before the trip ends March 5 at Phoenix, the defending champions also will play Houston, Dallas, the Lakers and Utah.

Robinson had 21 points, 13 rebounds and eight blocks. He forced numerous Bulls to take hurried, off-balance shots.

“Our team’s not 37-5,” said San Antonio’s Terry Cummings, who had 30 points, “but we’re playing well. We knew they wanted this one badly.”

Jordan said the game was lost early. “They blocked a lot of shots and initiated the break,” he said. “Their defense was their offense.”