Spurs Are Pointed Right Way

The San Antonio Spurs have a new starting point guard, and the early results were positive.

Tony Parker, a 19-year-old first-round draft choice from France, took over the starting playmaker’s job from Antonio Daniels as the Spurs defeated the Orlando Magic, 104-89, Tuesday night at San Antonio.

“We decided it was the best thing for the team right now and for the future,” Coach Gregg Popovich said. “Antonio is a combo guard. If Tony Parker wasn’t here, he would be our guard. He has been our point guard and has done a good job.”

Tim Duncan led the way for San Antonio with 26 points and 14 rebounds for his fifth consecutive double-double. David Robinson added 17 points, while Malik Rose had 15 and Danny Ferry 11.

Parker had 12 points, four assists and two steals in 32 minutes, while Daniels came off the bench for seven points in 28 minutes.

Orlando, which lost its second consecutive game, was led by Tracy McGrady with 20 points, while Grant Hill added 17 points before fouling out with 6:10 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Dallas 110, Charlotte 92--Dirk Nowitzki, listed as doubtful because of a sprained left ankle, had 34 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Mavericks at Dallas.

Michael Finley had 31 points and Steve Nash added 16 for the Mavericks, who are off to a 4-1 start.

Houston 99, Denver 93--Steve Francis had 22 points, including eight in the fourth quarter, to go with 10 rebounds and eight assists at Houston.

Francis scored all eight of his fourth-quarter points in a three-minute span as Houston turned an 85-81 lead into a 95-85 advantage with 1:07 to play.

Minnesota 104, New York 94--Wally Szczerbiak tied his previous career-high of 28 by halftime and finished with 35 points, making 14 of 19 shots at Minneapolis as the Timberwolves remained undefeated.

Miami 87, Seattle 85--Eddie Jones scored 25 points, including the game-winner with 1.7 seconds left in overtime at Miami, as the Heat overcame the absence of Alonzo Mourning because of food poisoning.

Indiana 87, Philadelphia 77--Jalen Rose scored 26 points and Jermaine O’Neal added 22 at Philadelphia to lead the Pacers over the winless 76ers. Derrick Coleman scored 25 and Speedy Claxton had 23 for the 76ers.

Sacramento 115, Cleveland 99--Predrag Stojakovic scored 32 points, Mike Bibby added 18 and the Kings made 14 three-pointers at Cleveland to remain unbeaten.

Phoenix 113, Vancouver 101--Penny Hardaway scored 20 of his 26 points in the second half as the Suns rallied at Phoenix to send the Grizzlies to their fourth consecutive loss.

Portland 101, Utah 83--Rasheed Wallace scored 26 points and Bonzi Wells added 21 at Portland, Ore., as the Trail Blazers sent the Jazz to their worst start (1-4) in 19 years.