Spurs Survive Paul`s 38-Point Onslaught

The San Antonio Spurs withstood a 38-point performance by New Orleans guard Chris Paul to beat the visiting Hornets 106-93 and increase their Southwest Division lead on Saturday.

Tony Parker had 25 points, Manu Ginobili 22 and Michael Finley 20 as the Spurs pulled three games ahead of the rival Hornets.

Matt Bonner added 13 points and Tim Duncan had 12 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for San Antonio, the No. 2 team in the Western Conference.

Paul sank five of six three-point attempts and contributed six rebounds and four assists in pace the New Orleans offense. David West was the only other Hornets starter in double figures. He finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

San Antonio surged to a 10-point lead late in the first period and stayed comfortably ahead the remainder of the game.

Paul scored 17 in the third quarter and brought the Hornets within seven points for the last time on a three-pointer with 9:27 to go in the game.

San Antonio outscored New Orleans 8-2 over the next two minutes to wrap up the win.