Ginobilli helps Spurs end Cavaliers’ 8-game streak

Associated Press

SAN ANTONIO

Manu Ginobili scored 15 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter to carry the San Antonio Spurs past Cleveland 102-97 on Friday night, ending the Cavaliers’ eight-game win streak.

After losing to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, the Spurs craved a validating win over a conference leader. Ginobili made sure they got one.

He shot 4 of 7 in the fourth, including two 3-pointers and a stretch of four straight Spurs baskets. It was the third 30-point game for Ginobili since being forced into the starting lineup this month when Tony Parker broke his right hand.

LeBron James had 27 points for Cleveland, but the Cavs watched their winning streak slip away with six scoreless possessions down the stretch.

James misfired twice and turned the ball over on half of those possessions. His frustrating fourth quarter included tumbling to the baseline after losing the basketball — when Ginobili, fittingly, hooked his left arm around to knock it away.

James wanted a foul, but Ginobili could do little wrong this quarter.

Richard Jefferson and Tim Duncan each had 16 points and George Hill scored 14 for the Spurs. The Spurs walked away splitting a brutal two-game stretch against the Lakers, the best in the West, and the East-leading Cavaliers.

Antawn Jamison scored 24 points and J.J. Hickson added 20 for Cleveland. James had 11 in the fourth and finished with 10 rebounds.

The Spurs ended a Cavs winning streak they started March 8 with a loss in Cleveland, San Antonio’s first game without Parker. Cleveland beat the Spurs 97-95 and hadn’t lost since.

It had been Cleveland’s second-longest winning streak this season.

Ginobili’s 38 against the Cavs weren’t enough to beat Cleveland the first time around this month. But 30 did the trick this time.

Since Parker went down March 6, Ginobili is averaging 23.8 points and has carried the Spurs to a 7-4 mark without their starting pointing guard. Parker isn’t expected to return until the playoffs.

Beating the Cavs gave the Spurs one of their best wins in what will likely be their worst season in the Duncan era.