Duncan Delivers Clincher for Spurs

Tim Duncan took a sharp pass from Manu Ginobili and banked in a short shot with 0.5 seconds left, lifting San Antonio to a 98-96 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics on Thursday night and putting the Spurs into the Western Conference finals.

Duncan had 26 points and nine rebounds, and the Spurs survived his six-for-21 shooting to win the best-of-seven series, 4-2, and move one step closer to a chance for the franchise’s second NBA title in three seasons.

Tony Parker and Robert Horry each had 14 points. Ginobili scored 13 and Nazr Mohammed added 12.

The SuperSonics didn’t have much time for a final attempt. Antonio Daniels inbounded to Ray Allen, who lobbed a shot from the left corner over Duncan’s head. It bounced off the rim, ending a remarkable season in Seattle.

Allen scored 25 points and Daniels had 22. Jerome James and Damien Wilkins each scored 10 for the SuperSonics, who played their third straight game -- half the series -- without All-Star forward Rashard Lewis, who was sidelined by a bruised big toe on his left foot.

Going into the fourth quarter, Duncan had missed 12 of his 13 field-goal attempts, but he came through when it mattered by shooting five of eight from the field and scoring 12 points in the final 12 minutes.