Spurs hold off Mavericks 92-90
DALLAS — Michael Finley scored 15 points, including three free throws in the final 23 seconds, and the San Antonio Spurs held on to beat Finley’s former team, the Dallas Mavericks, 92- 90 Thursday and remain alone atop the Western Conference.
Making his first start for the Spurs with Manu Ginobili out because of a jammed right foot, Finley made his first shot.
‘‘ Starting helped me get out the jitters early and just go play,’’ Finley said. ‘‘ Getting that first shot helped.’’
Tony Parker scored 30 points and put the Spurs ahead to stay when he drove for a layup with 35 seconds left. That was the last of 26 lead changes, seven of which came in the final 2: 48.
Dirk Nowitzki’s potential tying shot off an inbounds pass was partially blocked by Bruce Bowen as time ran out.
‘‘ I had a good look at it. Give Bruce credit,’’ Nowitzki said. ‘‘ Every time I touched it, a big guy ran at me. Both teams made an effort not to let the other team’s main guy beat them.’’
The Spurs’ Tim Duncan was held to 13 points.
Ginobili will have an MRI exam on his jammed right foot today.
Lakers 105, Jazz 101
SALT LAKE CITY — Kobe Bryant made two free throws after a disputed foul with 0.4 seconds left in regulation and Sasha Vujacic made a threepointer with 20 seconds remaining in overtime to lead Los Angeles past Utah.
The Lakers blew a 14- point lead in the second half, then had to win without Bryant after he fouled out with more than two minutes left in overtime. Bryant finished with 30 points.
Vujacic scored 11, hitting his clutch three- pointer with the Lakers trailing 101- 100.
Deron Williams led with 20 points.
■ The Denver Nuggets suspended guard Voshon Lenard for one game without pay for conduct detrimental to the team. Lenard will miss tonight’s game at Phoenix.
Lenard missed most of last season because of a torn Achilles tendon. He lost his starting job to DerMarr Johnson in mid-November.
■ Phoenix reserve forward Brian Grant will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and be sidelined for up to three months. Utah