The Spurs suffocating defense in the game's final period only gave up 16 points to Denver and helped deliver a 96-89 victory.

Leading the way in scoring for the Spurs was Tim Duncan who recorded 22 point, 11 rebounds and six assists. Other double-digit scorers for the Spurs were Manu Ginboili with 18 off the bench, Tony Parker with 15 and Bruce Bowen with 10.

The Spurs found themselves trailing most of the contest until the final minutes of the game. Both teams took turns battling for the lead when Robert Horry gave the Spurs a four point advantage by draining a three point bucket from the corner with 30 seconds remaining.

Bench points for the Spurs proved to yet again be an advantage as they outscored Denver's bench 32-8.

The Nuggets duo of Allen Iverson (22 pts) and Carmelo Anthony (29 pts) accounted for 51 of Denver's 89 points.

Many factors contributed to the Spurs 3-1 lead in this series, but one inch came up big.

Denver got a steal with less than a minute left and - down by three - Steve Blake didn't hesitate to launch a shot on the fast break. The refs ruled it a two-pointer and replays showed his foot slightly over the line.

The Spurs extended their one-point lead immediately afterwards with a big three-point shot from none other than Robert Horry.