Parker calls Nuggets a test on both sides of the ball

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The San Antonio Spurs survived the first of five upcoming contest against the NBA's elite, beating the Denver Nuggets 100-99.  The offense hummed as the Spurs connected on 10/15 three point attempts.  The defense wasn't as stout as it has been most of the season as the Nuggets shot 47 percent from the field while missing all of ten of their three point attempts.  That means they shot 54 percent from two.

On offense, the Nuggets clogged the paint, forcing the Spurs in to taking jumpers. Fortunately the Spurs role players, Danny Green in particular, weren't keen on missing many of their three point attempts. 

After the game, Tony Parker discussed victories like this one build trust among teammates. 

"It was a great test for our defense and for our offense. When you play a team like that who can pack it in the paint pretty good and then stop mine and Manu's penetration, we had to make shots and trust each other," said Parker. "It was a great feeling. It was playoff intensity."

Next up for the Spurs are the Los Angeles Clippers, who are still in third place despite what feels like lackluster play over the last month or so.  Still, a win over the San Antonio would give the Clippers a season series victory. 

A win for the Spurs would nice, obviously, but what would be even nicer is a win where they were able to convert in the paint on offense and keep the Clippers out of the paint on defense.