NBA Playoffs: Duncan, Spurs Prevail in Pivotal Game 3

Shawn Marion paced the Suns with 26 points.

Salem-News.com SPORTS

SAN ANTONIO - In a physical, sometimes nasty Game 3 in San Antonio, it was Tim Duncan that showed what has made him an elite NBA player for a decade.

Duncan had 18 points and 10 rebounds by halftime and ended the game with 33, 19 and three blocked shots in a hard-fought 108-101 win that gave the Spurs a 2-1 series lead over the visiting Suns.

Tony Parker started strong, scoring 14 of his 16 points in the opening 24 minutes, and Manu Ginobili awakened from his series-long slumber to carry the load after that, scoring half of his 24 points in the crucial third quarter. Bruce Bowen added 10 points and nine rebounds.

Shawn Marion paced the Suns with 26 points, Amare Stoudemire scored 21 points despite being limited to 20 minutes due to foul trouble, and Steve Nash scored all 16 of his points after halftime to go with eight rebounds and 11 assists.

The Spurs will look for a commanding 3-1 series lead in Game 4 on Monday at 9:30 PM ET on TNT.

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