Spurs 113, Nuggets 112
Manu Ginobili hit the game-winning shot for the second consecutive night and drew a final-second charge on Carmelo Anthony as the San Antonio Spurs held on for a dramatic 113-112 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday.
Ginobili hit a short bank shot between two defenders that went in and out and kissed off the glass before dropping in for the winning points with 4.2 seconds left as San Antonio (22-3) won its seventh straight game.
Tim Duncan scored a season-high 28 points and grabbed 16 rebounds for the Spurs.
Anthony drove for the potential game-winning hoop in the final seconds but Ginobili was in great position and Anthony was called for an offensive foul with 0.4 seconds left as the ball went through the net.
Denver (15-10) trailed by three points with under 10 seconds left but took the lead on two baskets by Anthony in 1.3 seconds.
Anthony scored on a dunk with 8.4 seconds left to pull Denver within one point. J.R. Smith then deflected Antonio McDyess’ inbounds pass directly to Anthony under the hoop, who laid the ball in to give the Nuggets a one-point lead.
Tony Parker had 24 points and nine assists and Ginobili scored 16 for the Spurs, who continue to boast the NBA’s top overall record.
Carmelo Anthony had 31 points and nine rebounds to pace Denver. Aaron Afflalo scored 20 points and Nene added 19.
Ginobili also made the game-winning shot in San Antonio’s victory over Milwaukee on Wednesday.