Spurs dig a 2-0 hole for Jazz

Only two games into the Western Conference finals, Tony Parker and the San Antonio Spurs already are toying with the Utah Jazz.

Their big tease Tuesday night: Build a big lead, see it shrink a little, then bury the Jazz with three-point baskets.

Parker made it possible, using his speed to the basket to draw in the defense then finding his shooters often to help the Spurs beat the Jazz, 105-96, for a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series and their 18th straight victory over Utah at San Antonio.

Parker had 17 points and 14 assists, his most in a playoff game. Many came on tosses into the corners, setting up Brent Barry for his trio of three-pointers in the second quarter and Bruce Bowen for his three three-pointers in the fourth quarter. San Antonio shot 55.4% and was 13 of 26 from behind the arc, a franchise playoff record for made three-pointers.

“That’s what they’re giving us,” Parker said. “Every time I penetrate, they’re wide open. They’re forcing us to make outside shots and tonight we made those shots.”

Tim Duncan had 26 points and 14 for San Antonio.

The Jazz never led and haven’t led since the seventh minute of the opener. While Carlos Boozer bounced back from a poor game with 33 points 15 rebounds, a second straight second-quarter meltdown left Utah trailing by 17 at halftime and 22 a few minutes into the third quarter. They never got closer than seven points afterward.

Game 3 is Saturday at Salt Lake City, where the Jazz are 6-0 this postseason. They also were 2-0 against the Spurs there during the regular season.