Tim Duncan fired the Spurs offence with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili from the bench each had 18.

The match was effectively over by half-time with the Spurs having established a 16-point lead.

Kobe Bryant put a disappointing performance behind him to score the game-winning three-pointer in the Los Angeles Lakers' 88-85 win over the New Orleans Hornets.

Despite Bryant shooting 3-for-21, the Lakers prevailed thanks to 21 points and 11 rebounds from Pau Gasol.

The Philadelphia 76ers bounced back from losing top spot in the Atlantic Division by beating the Atlanta Hawks 95-90, despite 34 points from Josh Smith.

The New York Knicks shrugged off the news that Jeremy Lin is to miss up to six weeks because of knee surgery, beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 91-75.

Chris Paul scored 26 points to help the Los Angeles Clippers to a 105-96 win over the Utah Jazz.

The Detroit Pistons beat the Charlotte Bobcats 110-107 in overtime, the Memphis Grizzlies were 99-95 winners over the Milwaukee Bucks and the New Jersey Nets made it three wins in a row with a 111-99 victory over the Sacramento Kings.