Duncan Comes Up Big After 76ers Start Small

With the game on the line, the San Antonio Spurs turned to -- who else? -- Tim Duncan.

Duncan scored a season-high 34 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead the visiting Spurs to their fifth consecutive victory, an 88-80 decision over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night.

Allen Iverson scored 24 points for the 76ers, who set a dubious team record by scoring six points in the first quarter.

Rasho Nesterovic had 16 points and 11 rebounds and Manu Ginobili scored 17 for San Antonio, which had lost four in a row in Philadelphia since winning Nov. 22, 1999. The Spurs improved to 7-1, their best start since the 1991-92 season.

Spur point guard Tony Parker was scoreless in 32 minutes, missing two shots and two free throws. However, he had eight rebounds and six assists, and held Iverson to eight-for-24 shooting.

New York 93, Houston 92 -- Jamal Crawford banked in a three-point basket at the buzzer to give the Knicks their first road victory of the season.

Crawford finished with 19 points, making five of 11 from the three-point arc, and Kurt Thomas added 23 points and 14 rebounds to hand the Rockets their fourth loss in five games.

Tracy McGrady led the Rockets with 24 points. Yao Ming had 23 points and 11 rebounds.

Cleveland 106, Charlotte 89 -- LeBron James had 19 points at Charlotte, N.C., in the fifth consecutive victory for the Cavaliers, who moved two games over .500 for the first time since 1999 -- James’ freshman year in high school.

The expansion Bobcats lost their fifth in a row -- as well as their composure. Gerald Wallace was called for two flagrant fouls in the third quarter and was ejected, quickly followed by Coach Bernie Bickerstaff, who stormed onto the court and ranted at the officials.