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Ginobili, Spurs seek fifth consecutive win

Feb 23, 2008 - 2:59 PM New Orleans (37-16) at San Antonio (36-17) 8:30 pm EST

SAN ANTONIO (Ticker) - The San Antonio Spurs will try to record their fifth consecutive triumph on Saturday when the New Orleans Hornets come calling.

Behind a 44-point effort from Manu Ginobili, the defending champs were able to hold off a late charge to escape with a 100-99 win against the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday.

"Manu is a top caliber player, he's an All-Star caliber player," San Antonio coach Greg Popovich said. "He's been on fire for a while now."

The 6-6 Ginobili is averaging 30.5 points through his last six outings.

The win also featured the return of Spurs guard Tony Parker, who had missed the last three weeks due to an injured ankle. He had eight points on 3-of-7 shooting.

"I felt pretty good for a first game," Parker said. "I just tried to get back in rhythm and get some wind and I'm OK, feel good."

However, Parker won't have it easy as he prepares to tangle with MVP candidate Chris Paul, who has dished out at least 10 assists in his last five games.

In their last encounter with New Orleans, Ginobili was held in check with just 11 points on 4-of-12 shooting in San Antonio's disappointing 102-78 setback on January 26.

The Western Conference-leading Hornets are hoping to bounce back after having their five-game winning streak snapped with Friday's 100-80 loss to the Houston Rockets at home.

Bonzi Wells and Mike James should make their New Orleans debut after coming over from the Rockers in exchange for Bobby Jackson in Thursday's trading deadline.