Duncan's right elbow was wrapped, but he clearly wasn't bothered much as he scored 20 points in the first half. He had 14 in the first quarter to give the Spurs a 25-24 advantage after one period.

Finley went 6-of-6 for 15 points at the half, when the Spurs held a 49-46 lead.

But even without McGrady, who has a sprained right elbow, the Rockets not only stayed close, but held the lead several times during the first half by as many as nine points. Finley's third 3-pointer of the game with 45 seconds left gave the Spurs a 47-46 lead. It was their first since Battier broke a 28-all tie four minutes into the second quarter.

Scola also was perfect in the half, making all six shots for 12 points. He had been averaging 3.9 points before Friday.

The Spurs pulled away early in the third. But Houston battled back with two baskets from Scola and a 3-pointer from Rafer Alston to get within 61-60 with 3:47 to play.

Ginobili's two 3s within 1:28 pushed the Spurs to a 69-60 lead, their biggest of the game. Battier made it 69-62 and a last-second goaltending call against Francisco Elson brought the Rockets within 69-64 and sent Spurs coach Gregg Popovich spinning around to lean on the scorer's table holding his head in his hands.

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