Spurs Still Surging

Tim Duncan scored 28 points, and Manu Ginobili made two tough layups in the final minute as the San Antonio Spurs held off the Rockets, 85-82, Monday night at Houston.

It was San Antonio’s fifth consecutive victory and fourth in a row on the road.

The Spurs led, 67-54, with 10 minutes 37 seconds left, but the Rockets tied it, 78-78, with 2:01 to play on a jumper by Yao Ming.

Duncan tipped in the go-ahead basket with 1:38 to play, and Ginobili fought his way through the lane twice for layups. He then made a free throw for the final point of the game. Steve Francis missed a desperation three-pointer as time expired.

Yao finished with 25 points for Houston.

Atlanta 102, Dallas 96 -- Stephen Jackson had 11 of his career-high 30 points in the fourth quarter at Atlanta to help the Hawks beat the Mavericks for the first time since Jan. 14, 1998. Michael Finley had 24 points for the Mavericks.

Denver 86, Memphis 83 -- Andre Miller’s 16-foot jumper with 36 seconds left and Carmelo Anthony’s two free throws lifted the Nuggets at Denver, snapping the Grizzlies’ four-game winning streak. Miller and Anthony scored 20 points apiece. Shane Battier led Memphis with 13 points.

Cleveland 97, Boston 89 -- LeBron James had 24 points at Cleveland in a victory in which former Cavalier Ricky Davis was booed throughout. Cleveland also broke a 13-game slide against the Celtics. Davis, traded to Boston on Dec. 15, scored 10 points. Paul Pierce had 32 points for Boston.

From Associated Press