Spurs win Texas tussle

The Spurs prevailed in a physical clash

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The San Antonio Spurs drew first blood in the all-Texas Western Conference semi-final with a 94-78 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in a bruising battle.

The victory was marred by an injury to Spurs guard Derek Anderson, who was fouled from Juwan Howard just before half-time. He suffered a dislocated right shoulder that will sideline him for three to six weeks.

Tim Duncan scored 31 points and 13 rebounds as the Spurs made the most of home advantage to seize the initiative in the best-of-seven series.

Duncan was the Spurs' star

Duncan scored 20 points in the first half to help the Spurs take a 47-34 lead. In the last three minutes of the half, Duncan made two lay-ups, a tip-in, and two free throws.

And he sparked a 14-2 run in the third quarter to give the Spurs a 68-46 lead.

San Antonio extended their lead to 76-51 with Steve Kerr's long jumper with less than five seconds left in the quarter.

The Mavericks cut the lead to 13 late in the fourth quarter on two baskets by Greg Buckner and a jumper and three-pointer by Eduardo Najera, but came no closer.

Michael Finley top-scored for Dallas with 17 points, and Howard Eisley scored 16.

Antonio Daniels hit threethree-pointers and finished with 13 points for San Antonio.

The main talking point after the match was Anderson's injury, however.

Howard, who was ejected after the incident said: "Let's not get this twisted, because I am very hurt by what has happened. Derek was driving to the basket and I went for the basketball."

Anderson hits the court and injures his shoulder

Top scorer Duncan said: "We lose a big part of our team on a stupid foul that happened with two seconds left on the clock. Of course it angers us. But what can you do?"

Anderson, who averaged 15.5 points in the regular season and 11 points in the first round of the play-offs, scored six points before the injury.

The sides meet again in San Antonio on Monday.

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Saturday's result:

Western Conference

San Antonio Spurs 94-78 Dallas Mavericks (Spurs lead series 1-0)