Spurs Win to Even Series

Michael Finley hit back against the Dallas Mavericks. Now the San Antonio Spurs have a chance to land a knockout punch.

After absorbing the low blow that got Mavericks guard Jason Terry suspended, Finley ignored the taunts from the Dallas fans who used to adore him and scored 16 points, helping the Spurs to a 91-86 victory Friday night that forces a Game 7 in their Western Conference series.

Finley scored 10 points in the third quarter to help San Antonio stay close, then made the go-ahead basket on a three-pointer from the right corner with 2:45 left -- and Dallas’ 7-foot star Dirk Nowitzki running at him.

Finley then defended Nowitzki on a missed three-pointer that could’ve tied the score with 6.9 seconds left. The off-balance shot landed well short. Tony Parker got the rebound, was fouled and made both free throws, securing the Spurs’ second straight salvation of their title defense.

Now they get another chance at home Monday night.

Finley spent the nine previous seasons in Dallas, playing a big role in taking the club from lottery mainstays to perennial contenders. He was released last summer under the NBA’s one-time amnesty clause and is still getting paid $14.6 million from the Mavericks.

“It’s a strange situation for me, but this was a great game,” Finley said.

San Antonio got 30 points from Manu Ginobili and 24 from Tim Duncan, who was in foul trouble throughout. Parker failed to capitalize on Terry’s absence, making only three of 15 shots for eight points. A saving grace for the Spurs was making all 15 of their second-half free throws, something they rarely do.

But other than Nowitzki, who led Dallas with 26 points, 21 rebounds and five assists, the Mavericks struggled.

They shot only 39%, with Devin Harris going three for 14 and Jerry Stackhouse, Terry’s replacement, making four of 15. Stackhouse made three of his first four, then missed 11 of 12.

Josh Howard scored 17 points and Keith Van Horn, in his first extended action since breaking his right hand March 31, scored 10.

“We really had a chance at winning this game and playing well, but we just couldn’t get it in the basket,” Mavericks Coach Avery Johnson said. “We’ll get back to practice Sunday, strap it up and get ready to go back to San Antonio.”

The Spurs could become only the ninth team to overcome a 3-1 deficit -- and the second this season. Phoenix did it in the first round against the Lakers.

Six of the other winners were at home for Game 7, just like San Antonio will be.

“We’re at home, so everybody thinks we’re going to win, but it’s not automatic,” Ginobili said.