San Antonio open season with victory
NEW YORK (Reuters) - The San Antonio Spurs opened the new NBA season with a 106-97 victory over the visiting Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday.
The Spurs, last season's NBA champions, received their title rings before the game and raised a banner commemorating the franchise's fourth title in the last nine years.
"It was a great way to start off the year," San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said.
"It wasn't pretty, but wins in the NBA are always fun, so I was glad to get the win."
Tim Duncan scored 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in the win, while Tony Parker added 19 points and Manu Ginobili had 16 points and eight assists.
"I thought we had a good effort the whole way through," said Duncan.
LaMarcus Aldridge led the Blazers with 27 points, while Martell Webster added 21 and Joel Pryzbilla posted 13 points and 11 rebounds.
"We didn't come to San Antonio to play close, we came to win this game," said Portland coach Nate McMillan.
"I knew that turnovers would be a big key tonight and we gave up 17. When you spot the world champions 17 opportunities to capitalize before you even get started it will hurt you.
This game was supposed to have marked the pro debut of top draft choice Greg Oden, but the NBA's prized rookie will miss the entire season with a knee injury.
*Kobe Bryant opened the season for the Los Angeles Lakers with 45 points but it was not enough on the night as the Lakers lost 95-93 to the Houston Rockets.
*Carlos Boozer scored 32 points and grabbed 15 rebounds and Deron Williams added 24 points to lead the Utah Jazz to a 117-96 road win over the Golden State Warriors. Baron Davis had 25 points for the Warriors.
(Writing by Mike Shalin in Boston)
