Spurs Drop Wizards

The Wizards concluded their three game road trip on Saturday night, visiting the team with best record in the league, the 37-11 San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs, who have owned Washington over the years, came into tonight red hot, going for their 10th consecutive win, and their 14th straight against the Wizards.

Meanwhile, Washington was looking to avoid their 4th straight defeat. The Wizards had continued to struggle on the road, falling to 3-20 away from home in Friday night's loss to the Grizzlies in Memphis. It was also their third straight game without rookie shooting guard Bradley Beal.

San Antonio led by 10 at the end of the 1st quarter, going into the half with 51-26 advantage, despite losing Tim Duncan with 3:54 left in the 2nd quarter with both a sprained right ankle, and left knee. Martell Webster went up for a layup over Duncan, and fell to the floor, taking out the San Antonio center's legs in the process. The Spurs were already without Manu Ginobili, who missed the game with hamstring tightness.

Wizards forward Nene is defended by Spurs forward Tiago Splitter, left, and center Tim Duncan, right (Photo By Eric Gay-Associated Press)

After trailing by as many as 27 in the 3rd quarter, the Wizards managed to trim the San Antonio lead down to 12 going into the 4th. Washington eventually cut the San Antonio lead to single digits at 73-65 on a John Wall jumper with 8:58 left in the game, but the Spurs weathered the late Washington run, and held on for a 96-86 victory.

Tony Parker led the Spurs with a double-double, tallying 19 points and 12 assists. Danny Green contributed 15 points in what was San Antonio's 38th win of the season.

John Wall led the Wizards with 21 points and 9 assists, while Martell Webster added 14 points in the loss.