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James, Hornets shoot down Spurs

Oct 11, 2008 - 3:03 AM By Brian Guerra PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

SAN ANTONIO (Ticker) -- The New Orleans Hornets spoiled Tim Duncan's preseason debut by defeating the San Antonio Spurs, 89-84, on Friday.

Mike James, who was 3-of-4 from behind the arc, led all scorers with 18 points. Tyson Chandler was hot early for the Hornets, scoring six of his 14 points in the game's first five minutes, while David West pitched in with 12.

Duncan, who did not play in the second half, led the Spurs with 12 points in 18 minutes. Tony Parker, who played 16 first-half minutes, added 10 points.

San Antonio (0-2) held a 51-49 halftime lead. The Hornets went on a 10-2 run, which was capped by a jumper by Morris Peterson, en route to a 61-53 advantage with 4:22 left in the third quarter and never looked back.

Chris Paul had nine points and seven assists for New Orleans, which improved to 3-0 this preseason.

The Spurs played without Manu Ginobili, Fabricio Oberto, Kurt Thomas and Ime Udoka, who all were in street clothes.

George Hill, the Spurs' first-round pick, entered the game midway through the first quarter and was aggressive, scoring five points in three minutes. He finished with 10 points on 3-of-9 shooting.

Matt Bonner was the only starter for the Spurs who played in the second half.