Duncan Missed by Spurs in Loss to Timberwolves

The San Antonio Spurs could have used Tim Duncan down the stretch Sunday, when their comeback from a 16-point deficit fell short in a 102-98 loss to the Timberwolves at Minneapolis.

Duncan sat out his second game in a row because of a lower abdominal strain.

The Spurs fell behind by 16 points in the first half before making a game of it with a smaller lineup that caused trouble for Minnesota for a while. Kevin Garnett, usually defended by Duncan, led the Timberwolves with 29 points.

New York 89, Philadelphia 88--Larry Johnson’s rebound shot tied the score at 88-88 with 46.8 seconds left and Chris Childs made a free throw seconds later to give the Knicks their first lead since early in the first quarter at New York.

The 76ers had one last chance, but Patrick Ewing prevented Eric Snow from getting a good look at the basket and his last-second shot missed.

Milwaukee 102, Orlando 95--The Bucks, led by Ray Allen’s 26 points, ended their home losing streak at seven. Orlando’s Pat Garrity had 32 points.

Detroit 93, Chicago 90--Jerry Stackhouse scored 27 points at Auburn Hills, Mich., as the Pistons handed the Bulls their fourth loss in a row.