Duncan Does His Share as Spurs Beat Trail Blazers

Tim Duncan was the most valuable player of overtime Saturday at San Antonio.

Next, he gets to show Karl Malone and the rest of the nation whether he’s worthy of the real MVP award.

Duncan showed off his offensive repertoire with a left-handed push shot, a corner jumper and a right-handed hook shot in overtime as the Spurs beat Portland, 98-90, and tied the Trail Blazers for second place in the Western Conference.

The Spurs (34-13) need to beat Utah (36-12) today to have any chance of earning home-court advantage throughout the postseason and Duncan will have a chance to show a national television audience why he has been garnering scattered MVP support.

Duncan had 19 points and 12 rebounds, David Robinson scored 26 points--his most since Feb. 24--and Avery Johnson had a season-high 24.

Philadelphia 103, Toronto 96--For the first time since Charles Barkley played in Philadelphia, the 76ers are going to the playoffs.

Allen Iverson scored 31 points, including a four-point play and two of his most sensational drives this season, as the 76ers clinched their first playoff berth since 1990-91.

Chicago 101, Miami 86--The Bulls, taking advantage of center Alonzo Mourning’s absence at Miami, repeatedly worked the ball inside and shot 58%, topping 50% for only the second time this season.

The Heat still lead the East, but they will finish behind Orlando if they lose two of their final three games--all against teams vying for playoff position--and the Magic win their final game at Chicago.

Milwaukee 88, Boston 79--Ray Allen scored 26 points and Sam Cassell, who came off the injured list after missing most of the season because of an ankle sprain, added 13 to help the Bucks snap their seven-game road losing streak and lower their magic number for clinching a playoff berth to one.

New Jersey 102, Washington 91--Stephon Marbury scored 32 points as the Nets snapped a three-game losing streak.

Phoenix 107, Vancouver 77--The Suns, who outscored the Grizzlies, 30-5, to start the fourth quarter at Phoenix, won for the fifth time in six games and clinched their 11th consecutive playoff berth.

Dallas 105, Golden State 94--Michael Finley scored 31 points to help the Mavericks win at Dallas.

Notes

Tax-evasion charges against NBA referee Blane Reichelt should be dropped because a grand jury operated improperly, U.S. Magistrate Judge David Baker said in Orlando. Jury selection was to begin Monday. U.S. District Judge Patricia Fawsett was expected to rule on Baker’s recommendation this week.