By the end of the game, the Raptors were reminded that the Spurs have a few other very good players — namely Manu Ginobili and Richard Jefferson. Ginobili had 36 points, eight assists, four rebounds and four blocks as the Spurs utilized a strong fourth quarter to post a 131-124 victory.

Jefferson, who was acquired via trade from the Milwaukee Bucks in the offseason, had 24 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. George Hill and Matt Bonner also chipped in with 22 points and 18 points, respectively.

For the Raptors, it was a case of the defense simply not doing enough. They allowed the Spurs to score more than 30 points in each quarters, including 38 in the decisive final stanza. On offense, Toronto was led by Chris Bosh’s 32 points. Hedo Turkoglu had 20 points for the Raptors, while Andrea Bargnani had 17.

With the win, the Spurs are now 3-3. The Raptors fell to 3-4 with the loss.

Gregg Popovich has to be happy with the Spurs victory (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

Spurs top Raptors without Duncan and Parker

Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs (Image: Newscom)

In recent weeks, Duncan has been sporting a pair of knee braces. Against the Utah Jazz, Duncan only had on one knee brace.

“It is basically gone,” said Duncan, talking about the pain in his right knee, “so it was good to be out there without a brace on and kind of play well.”

In 31 minutes of action versus the Jazz, Duncan finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and two assists. The Spurs, led by Tony Parker’s 31 points, seven rebounds and six assists, were able to win the game by a final score of 105-99.

Even if Duncan does heal in time for the playoffs, the Spurs still are in a major hole after the news hit that Manu Ginobili is out for the season. For Duncan to win his fifth championship, he’ll need to play better than ever in the postseason.

Post from: EveryJoe

Tim Duncan Injury Update – Feeling Better