Spurs roll past Bobcats 102-72

[March 03, 2012]  SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Tony Parker scored 15 points, and the San Antonio Spurs overwhelmed the Charlotte Bobcats in the second half for a 102-72 victory on Friday night.

The Spurs (25-11) bounced back from a rare home loss earlier this week against Chicago to win for the 13th time in their last 15 games. The Bobcats (4-30), who were playing San Antonio for the only time this season, have lost four straight and 20 of their last 21.

Richard Jefferson scored 14 points and hit four 3-pointers, and Tim Duncan had 14 points and eight rebounds for the Spurs. Matt Bonner added 14 points, and Kawhi Leonard had 10.

Corey Maggette and Boris Diaw each scored 14 points for the Bobcats, who were held below 100 points for the 21st straight game.

San Antonio outrebounded Charlotte 55-37, with DeJuan Blair leading all players with 11 rebounds. Jefferson added seven for the Spurs, who outscored the Bobcats 51-31 in the second half.

San Antonio, which was playing the second game of a seven-game homestand, never trailed after the first quarter.

The Spurs' defense frustrated the Bobcats throughout the game, with Charlotte hitting only 31 of 83 shots. Starting guards D.J. Augustin and Gerald Henderson combined to shoot 5 of 21.

The Spurs led 51-41 at halftime behind Parker's 13 points and Duncan's 10 points and eight rebounds. San Antonio held Charlotte to 17-of-49 shooting in the half to help overcome 10 turnovers.

Charlotte actually jumped out a 16-12 lead, but the Spurs went on a 11-0 run and led 29-20 after the first quarter.

Jefferson's 3-pointer with 4:23 left gave the Spurs a 17-16 lead they wouldn't lose the rest of the game.

Parker, the Spurs' only All-Star, hit all four of his shots in the quarter, and continually left the Bobcats frustrated with his quickness. After stealing a pass intended for Augustin at half-court with 3:25 left in the first quarter, Parker went in for an uncontested layup. Augustin never got past half-court, instead protesting what he thought was a foul.

NOTES: Bobcats starting C Bismack Biyombo missed the game after suffering a left shoulder strain in Wednesday's loss at Detroit. DeSagana Diop started in his place. . Spurs G Manu Ginobili missed his fifth straight game with a strained oblique. He was a game-time decision, but coach Gregg Popovich decided to rest him and said he'll see how Ginobili feels after practice Saturday. The Spurs' next game is against Denver on Sunday.

[Associated Press]

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