Spurs Turn SuperSonics Into a Disappearing Act

The San Antonio Spurs sure are making things look easy this postseason.

Manu Ginobili came off the bench and livened the offense with his usual variety of layups and long jump shots, making nine of 11 shots and scoring 28 points, leading San Antonio past the Seattle SuperSonics, 108-91, Tuesday night for a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal series.

Tim Duncan was his usual steady self with 25 points and nine rebounds for San Antonio, and Tony Parker had 22 points and seven assists.

Since a stunning loss at home in the playoff opener against Denver, the Spurs have won six in a row by an average margin of 16 points. They’ve dominated the SuperSonics in every aspect, leading for all but 62 seconds.

Game 3 is Thursday at Seattle.

Ray Allen shook off a sprained ankle that knocked him out of the opener early and scored 25 points in 42 minutes. Rashard Lewis scored 22. The SuperSonics even had a stretch of 22 points scored by that duo.

Problem was, the Spurs already had taken control, thanks mostly to Ginobili.

When he came in the first time, he quickly made two three-point baskets and two layups, putting San Antonio up, 20-8. The lead was 42-24 with 5:19 left in first half. Seattle got back within eight, but the lead was 12 at halftime and at least nine the rest of the game.

Allen missed five of his first seven shots and Lewis started 0 for 6. Lewis later made five in a row and Allen scored 12 points in the third quarter, but by then it was too late.

About the only solace for Allen was winning his grudge match with San Antonio forward Bruce Bowen. Officials apparently heard Allen’s off-day complaints about Bowen’s being a dirty player because he was hit with five fouls, which limited him to 17 minutes. Brent Barry also had a questionable foul called on him while guarding Allen.

Ginobili, however, showed his teammates how it was done against Allen, blocking two shots on one possession.