San Antonio Unkind to Rockets

The Spurs had to hold off Houston at the end but retained their grip on the Rockets at San Antonio with an 86-80 victory.

Tim Duncan had 19 points and nine rebounds and the Spurs beat the Rockets for the 16th straight time at home. Houston’s last victory at San Antonio was on April 20, 1997.

Tony Parker had 17 points for the Spurs, and Robert Horry added 16, including a key three-point basket late in the game.

Tracy McGrady led Houston with a game-high 27 points and 12 rebounds after missing all seven of his shots in the first half. Yao Ming had 19 points, but only one in the second half.

The Rockets, trailing, 72-52, with 11:19 left, got within 75-66 before an Horry three-pointer with 3:49 to go put the Spurs ahead, 78-66. Houston, however, didn’t go away, getting to within 84-77 before running out of time. Luther Head’s three-pointer in the final seconds was the only reason it was closer.

Minnesota 109, Washington 98 -- Kevin Garnett had 25 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists and Richie Frahm had a dunk and three three-point baskets down the stretch to lead the Timberwolves at Minneapolis.

Frahm finished with 16 points as six Timberwolves scored in double figures in ending a two-game losing streak.

Gilbert Arenas had 33 points for Washington.

Dallas 87, Atlanta 78 -- Josh Howard had 25 points and five blocked shots, Dirk Nowitzki added 20 points and 13 rebounds and the Mavericks finished with a 6-1 run over the final 1:36 at Dallas to extend the Hawks’ season-opening losing streak to eight games.

Zaza Pachulia led the Hawks with 21 points and 12 rebounds.

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