News / Sports
NBA Scores: Spurs Use Fourth Quarter Surge to Take 3-1 Lead on Nuggets
Tim Duncan scored 22 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and handed out 6 assists while Tony Parker added 15 points as the San Antonio Spurs used a strong fourth quarter to knock off the Denver Nuggets 96-89 and take a 3-1 lead in their Western Conference playoff series.
The Spurs entered the fourth quarter trailing 73-67 but scored the first seven points of the period to take a 75-74 lead. Denver answered with a 10-5 spurt to grab a four point advantage with 5:24 remaining but the Spurs hung tough and tied the score at 83-83 after Tony Parker completed a three-point play.
San Antonio had a three point lead until Steve Blake pulled the Nuggets to within one on a long jumper with 38 seconds on the clock. Robert Horry then answered for the Spurs with a three-pointer from the corner to push the lead back to four. J.R. Smith then missed a three-pointer for the Nuggets and Michael Finely hit one of two free throws to seal the game for the Spurs.
Carmelo Anthony led the Nuggets with 29 points in the loss. Allen Iverson struggled from the floor hitting just 9-25 for 22 points.
Both teams will meet again in San Antonio on Wednesday for game five of their best of seven series.
