Duncan’s big first half carries Spurs past Magic
San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) goes up for a shot as Orlando Magic’s Glen Davis (11) tries to defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Orlando, Fla., Friday, Nov. 29, 2013.(AP Photo/John Raoux)
ORLANDO — Tim Duncan scored 17 of his 19 points in the first half, Marco Belinelli also had 19 points, and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Orlando Magic 109-91 on Friday night.
San Antonio scored 17 straight points in the second quarter, turning a one-point edge into a 58-40 lead, and was able to rest Duncan for much of the second half while Orlando couldn’t slice the deficit into single digits.
Article continues after this advertisementBoth teams were playing without starting guards. The Spurs were without Tony Parker, who had a sprained ankle, and Orlando’s Jameer Nelson was nursing a sprained foot. Both injuries were sustained in games Wednesday night.
The Magic battled back slightly in the third quarter, slicing the Spurs’ lead to 81-70 before San Antonio pulled away again.
The Spurs shot 55 percent and got back on track after having their 11-game winning streak snapped Wednesday by Oklahoma City. San Antonio’s 14-2 record is best in the Western Conference.
Article continues after this advertisementArron Afflalo scored 17 points for Orlando, who now heads for a six-game, 12-day road trip. The Magic don’t have another home game until Dec. 13.
