Tim Duncan scored 21 points and David Robinson and Tony Parker added 14 apiece as the Spurs extended their season-high winning streak to 10 games with a 109-74 rout of the Denver Nuggets.
Nine wins during the streak have been by double digits, with the narrowest coming Tuesday in Denver by nine points. But the Nuggets hardly were as competitive in San Antonio, where they have lost 27 of their last 30.
The Spurs took the lead for good, 7-6, on a jumper by Robinson less than three minutes into the game. The shot sparked a 27-11 run highlighted by eight points from Parker and seven apiece from Duncan and Steve Smith.
 A blowout even got Amal McCaskill four minutes of Alamodome action. Joe Murphy NBAE/Getty Images |
"They really sent a message that they weren't going to take us lightly," said Mike Evans, Denver's acting coach. "We really didn't play well and they were excellent. They dominated us in every category."
The Spurs won 10 consecutive games for the first time since reeling off 17 straight victories from February 29-March 31, 1996. They have won six in a row at the Alamodome.
"I never expected this, we're usually slow starters," Duncan said. "It hasn't been that was this year. Guys have stepped into roles and understanding the offense and defense and we're playing well."
Charles Smith finished with 12 points and Steve Smith added 10 as San Antonio shot 59 percent (43-of-73) and made 6-of-12 3-pointers.
The Spurs also held a 45-31 rebounding edge led by Robinson and Malik Rose, who grabbed eight rebounds apiece.
Parker and Rose each collected five steals as San Antonio recorded a season-high 19.
The Spurs pulled away midway through the second quarter, when Charles Smith scored eight points to fuel a 19-8 spurt. They had a 61-43 halftime lead and Denver never got within striking distance.
San Antonio made 9-of-14 shots in the third quarter while Denver made only 5-of-18 and the Spurs took a 85-55 cushion into the final period.
The Spurs had an 86-59 advantage with 10:38 remaining before six different players scored during a 20-3 run. They took their largest lead, 106-62, on a turnaround jumper by Cherokee Parks with 3:24 to play.
"It was a fine performance for 48 minutes," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "It was our first game where we've played consistent for a whole game. That was good to see."
"We still had stretches in there where we didn't play very well," Duncan said. "Defensively, we did a great job all night long. That's one thing I thought we did do well."
The Nuggets shot just 37 percent (30-of-81) en route to their season low in points and made just 7-of-11 free throws. They set franchise lows in Tuesday's loss to the Spurs by making only four free throws.
Nick Van Exel scored 11 points and James Posey and Raef LaFrentz each added 10 for Denver, which has lost six consecutive road games.
"It was a tough loss," Van Exel said. "To come out here and have a first quarter like that is just ridiculous. The good thing about the NBA is when you get your butt whipped like that, you can move on because there is another game to play soon."