At this point in the season, the San Antonio Spurs are typically in sync and gearing up for the playoffs. That strategy was derailed as they were plagued by injuries, meaning the final 10 regular-season games will be vital for improving their chemistry.
After an easy win over one of the league's worst teams in the first game for San Antonio's Big Three since the All-Star break, the Southwest Division-leading Spurs expect a much tougher test Sunday night against a New Orleans Hornets club that's in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race.With Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili on the court together for the first time since a 91-89 loss at Toronto on Feb. 11, San Antonio (48-24) defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 111-98 on Friday. The game was not as close as the final score indicated, as the Spurs led by 27 in the third quarter when coach Gregg Popovich began to empty his bench.
San Antonio is seeking its second consecutive division title and seventh in nine years, an impressive feat considering Duncan, Parker and Ginobili have missed a combined 48 games.
Ginobili had 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting and added seven assists Friday after finishing with only two points on 1-of-7 shooting in Wednesday's 102-92 win at Atlanta - his first game since scoring 32 versus the Raptors.
"We're back, but we aren't back," said Ginobili, averaging 19.5 points on 51.9 percent shooting in two games versus the Hornets (44-27) this season. "These 10 games are going to be different than the previous ones we've had heading into the playoffs."
Parker led the Spurs with 18 points against the Clippers, while Duncan had 13 on 5-of-6 shooting after being given the night off Wednesday.
"It's good to have another playmaker out there," guard Roger Mason said. "It's going to take a little time, but hopefully it's enough time."
San Antonio shot 56.1 percent from the field Friday and seems to be heading in the right direction offensively. The Spurs are averaging 106.7 points on 54.2 percent shooting during their three-game winning streak after averaging 81.0 and shooting 41.5 percent in losing their previous two.
The Hornets have the league's fourth-best scoring defense (93.5), but they've allowed an average of 102.0 points in losing their last two.
New Orleans, which was eliminated by the Spurs in seven games in last season's conference semifinals, dropped 3 1/2 games back of San Antonio in the division with Friday's 103-93 loss at New York. The Hornets led 49-42 at halftime but things quickly fell apart as they were outscored 35-16 in the third quarter and hit with two technicals and the ejection of James Posey in the fourth.
"I just think if we would have come out with that type of passion in the third quarter, then we would have won the game," said coach Byron Scott, adding it was a "terrible" loss for a team trying to make the playoffs.
New Orleans will play without Posey, who was suspended one game Sunday by the NBA for his actions Friday. He threw the ball at the feet of referee Gary Zielinski before he was ejected.
Chris Paul had 38 points on 15-of-22 shooting in the Hornets' 106-93 loss at San Antonio on Jan. 31 after scoring 19 and handing out 12 assists in a 90-83 home win over the Spurs on Dec. 17.
The Hornets and Spurs wrap up the regular season at San Antonio on April 15.
