SAN ANTONIO (Ticker) -- The New Orleans Hornets have improved
dramatically in January, but are not expected to beat Tim Duncan
and the NBA-best San Antonio Spurs on Saturday.
After losing 29 of their first 31 games, the Hornets have won
six of 11.
P.J. Brown scored 20 points and newcomer Casey Jacobsen hit two
clutch 3-pointers Friday as New Orleans posted a 99-95 overtime
victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Dan Dickau added 19 points for the Hornets, who have won just
two contests on the road and have lost four in a row away from
home.
Snapping that streak is not likely against the Spurs, who have
won 15 straight at the SBC Center and own the best home mark in
the NBA at 22-1.
Manu Ginobili scored 25 points and Duncan contributed 20 and 12
rebounds Thursday as San Antonio won for the fifth time in six
games with a 90-80 triumph over the Sacramento Kings.
The Spurs, who are tied with the Phoenix Suns for the best
record in the league, begin a season-long seven-game road trip
Monday in Seattle.
San Antonio's next home game after Saturday is February 23.




