The San Antonio Spurs and Washington Wizards got things going at the AT&T Center in a East meets West clash. However, it would be a daunting task for the Wizards to escape San Antonio with a win. Washington has lost 12 games in the Alamo City heading into tonight's contest.
However, if the Spurs are to win this game they would have to do it without Tim Duncan who suffered a left knee injury in the second quarter and did not return to the court.
Here is how things went down in the first half between the Spurs and Wizards.
First Quarter:
Spurs' Stat Leader: Tim Duncan with 6 points, and 2 rebounds.
Recap: Danny Green got things going immediately with an emphatic dunk on the Wizards to get the scoring going and it didn't stop there. Tiago Splitter got a steal which led to a basket and Tim Duncan and Tony parker were knocking down shots early in the game. The Spurs took the early lead and never looked back in the opening quarter. Spurs shot 63.2% from the field, and were 2-2 from the free throw line. Washington shot 35% in the opening quarter.
Score: Spurs 27, Wizards 17.
Second Quarter:
Spurs' Stat Leader: Danny Green and Tony parker with 10 points a piece.
Recap: The Wizards cut into the Spurs 12-point lead early in the second quarter leading to a quick timeout for San Antonio. Wizards got as close as six points but that was as close as they got. The Spurs cranked up their defense and built the lead back up to as many as 27. And though the Spurs may be controlling the game, Duncan suffered a left knee injury when Wartell Webster fell on Duncan's knee. Duncan was carried off the court and did not return.
Spurs shot 54.8%, grabbed 29 rebounds, and scored 26 points in the paint at halftime.
Score: Spurs 51, Wizards 26.