Clippers Can’t Stop Spurs

Tim Duncan’s first triple-double of the season was in the books before the third quarter was over.

Duncan’s triple-double of 24 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists led the San Antonio Spurs to a 107-96 victory Friday night over the Clippers.

“It was fun tonight. I really was able to get into a rhythm and was very active out there,” Duncan said.

The triple-double was the third of his career and his first since the first round of the 2002 playoffs against Seattle.

“We came out and played well as a group. I was really pleased with the effort of Speedy Claxton and, really, everyone tonight,” Spur Coach Gregg Popovich said.

Former Cal State Fullerton standout Bruce Bowen scored 14 points, Claxton had 13 and Kevin Willis and Stephen Jackson had 12 each as the Spurs won their fifth in a row.

Lamar Odom led all scorers with a season-high 26 points, including 14 in the first quarter, and Corey Maggette had 14 for the Clippers.

“We played a quarter and a half. We didn’t play well at all. We played selfishly. That’s why they had the lead that they did,” said Clipper Coach Dennis Johnson, now 1-6 since succeeding Alvin Gentry.

Odom said, “They executed and they get such solid play from their role players. They know how to play around a guy like Tim.”

Friday’s loss was the end of a six-game trip in which the Clippers finished 1-5. They’ve dropped 11 of their last 12.

Duncan had two rebounds midway through the second quarter to set up fastbreak baskets by Tony Parker, and Parker made two three-point baskets as part of a 20-9 run to put the Spurs ahead, 59-44, at the half.