Parker Fills the Void in Duncan’s Absence

Even without Tim Duncan, the San Antonio Spurs kept streaking at Toronto.

Tony Parker had 32 points and a season-high 13 assists, Michael Finley scored six of his 23 points in overtime and the Spurs beat the Raptors, 125-118, on Wednesday night for their seventh straight win.

Duncan missed his first game of the season because of flu-like symptoms, but Parker finished one assist and six points short of career highs to help San Antonio win its seventh straight on the road. A victory over New Jersey on Friday would match the longest road winning streak in franchise history.

“We always seem like we come together when we go on the road,” Parker said of the Spurs, who also improved to 4-0 on an eight-game trip.

Mike James had 36 points for the Raptors.

New Jersey 96, New York 83 -- Vince Carter scored 22 points to help the Nets lead by as many as 24 in moving within one game of the franchise record for consecutive home victories with their 12th in a row. New York lost its seventh in a row.

Cleveland 97, Minnesota 91 -- LeBron James scored 12 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter while Kevin Garnett (21 points and 18 rebounds) made one of five shots in the period as the visiting Cavaliers overcame a 15-point first-quarter deficit.

Phoenix 108, Memphis 102 -- Shawn Marion had 21 points and 16 rebounds and Leandro Barbosa scored a season-high 24 as the host Suns took control with a season-high 42-point second quarter to hand the Grizzlies their fourth straight loss.

Indiana 101, Portland 69 -- Stephen Jackson scored 25 points and the Pacers held the visiting Trail Blazers to 26.7% shooting.

Washington 129, Golden State 124 -- Gilbert Arenas scored 45 points and Caron Butler added a season-high 34 points and 15 rebounds at Washington to lead the Wizards in a game featuring 11 lead changes and 13 ties.

Chicago 110, Denver 107 -- Ben Gordon had 30 points at Denver to help the Bulls end a four-game losing streak. Carmelo Anthony had 31 points for Denver, which lost for the sixth time in seven games, the last four defeats to sub-.500 teams.

Charlotte 100, Philadelphia 92 -- Melvin Ely scored 15 of his 19 points in the second half and the host Bobcats rallied from a 13-point deficit and limited Allen Iverson to 20 points in extending their winning streak to a franchise-best three games.

Charlotte lost rookie guard Raymond Felton to a sprained right ankle and big toe.

New Orleans 109, Seattle 102 -- Rasual Butler made a tiebreaking three-pointer with 15 seconds left and David West had 26 points at Oklahoma City to help the Hornets overcome the loss of point guard Chris Paul (bruised ribs) and backup Speedy Claxton (concussion). Rashard Lewis scored 34 for Seattle, which finished its trip 0-4.

Milwaukee 94, Orlando 89 -- Michael Redd scored 27 points, including the go-ahead three-pointer in the second overtime, to lead the Bucks at Milwaukee. Hedo Turkoglu had 27 for Orlando.

*

A trade that would have sent Philadelphia backup center Steven Hunter to New Orleans for second-round draft picks in 2006 and 2007 was rescinded because of concerns over his physical condition. Citing medical privacy, the teams refused to specify the problem.... Dallas teammates Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry were selected to participate in the NBA’s Three-Point Shootout along with defending champion Quentin Richardson of New York, 2001 winner Ray Allen of Seattle, Chauncey Billups of Detroit and Raja Bell of Phoenix on Feb. 18 at All-Star weekend in Houston.... Dick Bavetta, 66, refereed his 2,135th consecutive game at New Jersey, breaking the record held by former referee Jake O’Donnell.