Duncan lifts Spurs over Hornets

NEW ORLEANS (AP):

As Tim Duncan strode forcefully into the lane for a running hook in the final seconds, Tony Parker could not help but be reminded of a couple of the greatest players the NBA has ever known.

"It was a mix of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson - a kind of sky-hook, and we'll take it," Parker said of Duncan's 13-foot game-winner over Hornets centre Emeka Okafor with 1.4 seconds left.

The shot capped a season-high 28-point performance by the Spurs' 15-year veteran star forward and sent New Orleans to an eighth straight loss, 104-102 on Monday night.

"Okafor played pretty good defence and that's the shot I had had, and just luckily made it," Duncan said. "I couldn't do it again if I tried, but it went in that time. That's all that matters."

Career-high

Parker added 20 points and a career-high 17 assists for the Spurs, who snapped a two-game skid, while Richard Jefferson added 14 points and Tiago Splitter added 12 points.

Jarrett Jack led the Hornets with 26 points and nine assists. Trevor Ariza tied a season high with 18 points and Landry also scored 18.

"Its' extremely frustrating," Jack said. "The good part is that we gave ourselves a chance. ... It just comes down to making plays. There are a couple that I am kicking myself about that I wasn't able to complete."

The Spurs led 102-98 after Duncan's free throws with 1:16 to go, setting up a thrilling finish to a game that included 15 lead changes and eight ties.

Other results (home teams named first): Washington 83 Philadelphia 103, Orlando 56 Boston 87, Detroit 79 Oklahoma City 99, Houston 107 Minnesota 92, New Jersey 95 Chicago 110, Atlanta 97 Milwaukee 92, Phoenix 87 Dallas 93, Sacramento 89 Portland 101, Memphis 91 Golden State 90.