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Spurs close long road trip in nation's capital

Feb 21, 2009 - 3:21 PM San Antonio (36-17) at Washington (13-42) 8:00 p.m. EST

WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- It's been a long time since the Washington Wizards won three straight. In fact, it hasn't happened all season.

They have a chance to do just that when they return home Saturday, but will have to do it against the buzzsaw that is the San Antonio Spurs.

Washington hasn't won three straight in more than 10 months, dating to April 2008 at the tail end of the regular season. Of course, the Wizards were on their way to the playoffs that year - something that is a virtual impossibility this time around.

They also haven't beaten the Spurs since the 2005-06 campaign. However, this version is a bit shorthanded, as reigning Sixth Man of the Year Manu Ginobili is out for the next two to three weeks with a stress reaction in his right leg.

Not that his absence stopped the Spurs on Thursday, as they held off the Detroit Pistons for an 83-79 victory behind Tim Duncan's 18-point, 18-rebound performance.

However, the Spurs are probably less concerned about what personnel is available, and more concerned with finally putting an end to their extended road trip. They have been on the road all month and, with their visit to Washington, will conclude the eight-game swing - an annual trek whenever the rodeo occupies the AT&T Center.