Slow Start No Chore for Spurs

David Robinson had 28 points, 13 rebounds and seven blocked shots, and the San Antonio Spurs overcame poor early shooting to defeat the Denver Nuggets, 101-90, Monday night at Denver.

The Spurs, who shot 57% over the last three quarters after shooting only 32% in the first, boosted that figure by scoring the majority of their points from the inside the key in the latter stages.

Sean Elliott added 18 points, Vinny Del Negro had 16, and Avery Johnson had 14 points and 14 assists for San Antonio.

Orlando 110, Philadelphia 97--Dennis Scott had eight three-point baskets, six in the first half, and scored 26 points, leading the Magic to the victory at Philadelphia.

Shaquille O’Neal had 22 points, 10 rebounds and six assists and Horace Grant had 14 points and 13 rebounds for the Magic, which has won four games in a row and 10 of 11 since the All-Star break.

Detroit 99, Atlanta 93--Grant Hill’s sixth triple-double of the season paced the Pistons to a victory at Auburn Hills, Mich.

Hill finished with 17 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds as Detroit won for the fifth time in six games.

Allan Houston led Detroit’s scoring with 26 points.

Boston 105, Milwaukee 98--Rick Fox made six three-point shots and finished with 22 points to lead the Celtics to a victory at Boston.

Dana Barros added 23 points and Eric Williams 14 for Boston, which ended a two-game losing streak.

Washington 96, Vancouver 81--Juwan Howard scored 25 points to lead the Bullets to a victory over the Grizzlies at Vancouver.

Calbert Cheaney added 21 points and 7-foot-7 Gheorghe Muresan had 20 for the Bullets, who also got 14 from rookie forward Rasheed Wallace.

Vancouver lead, 56-51, in the third quarter but still lost its eighth consecutive game.

NBA Notes

The Chicago Bulls signed center-forward John Salley to a 10-day contract and placed backup center Bill Wennington on the injured list because of a swollen ankle. . . . Disgruntled Portland guard Rod Strickland turned up at the Trail Blazers’ practice gym, appearing for the first time since walking out more than a week ago with a vow never to return. . . . Muggsy Bogues was activated from the injured list, where the Charlotte guard has spent all but four games this season recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery.