San Antonio Spurs 113, New Orleans Hornets 96

SAN ANTONIO -- The Spurs took a little bit of time to get going in their first game of the year, but once they got in gear (about halfway through the first quarter), they didn't slow down (save a Tony Parker scare in the third). On the back of a 20-1 run that stretched from mid-way through the 1st to the 2nd quarter, the Spurs pulled away from the Hornets and held a 15+ lead for most of the game. Six Spurs scored in double figures; Tim Duncan was not one of them.

Sparked by Parker's 17 and Manu Ginobili's 16, the Spurs rode a three-point early and a strong contribution from their bench. Michael Finley (10), Matt Bonner (11), and Roger Mason, Jr. (11) represented the returning players well in the home opener; newcomers Richard Jefferson (5) and Antonio McDyess (9) played well in their first regular season action. Jefferson also had five assists, making several sharp, precise passes to his new teammates. He seemed to force his first few shots in the first quarter, but settled down thereafter.

Ginobili, coming off two injury-shortened season, looked like his former, wily self. His comments leading up to the game were that his basketball game didn't match up yet with his conditioning; the Hornets, though, would disagree. He knifed and carved his way through their defense and knocked down a couple of threes to boot.

Duncan also played well, taking 5 rebounds quickly in the first quarter, finishing with 12 for the night. The production from arguably his most talented supporting cast allowed the offense to flow more freely and not necessarily through him, especially as he drew double teams. The Spurs threw out 29 assists for the night, with no player having more than 6 (Parker).

The Spurs' roster features one lone rookie, DeJuan Blair, who continued his exhilarating play from the summer and preseason. He contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds, with five of those coming on the offensive end. His play through camp and the preseason earned him the nickname "Beast" from his teammates and the moniker was on full display tonight. His energy is great to watch and should provide a great spark off the bench for the Spurs. What a fantastic fit for a young, talented player, to fall to the 2nd round to an organization and team like the Spurs -- both should consider themselves fortunate and a bit lucky.

For the Hornets, Chris Paul led them with 26 points and nine assists, while David West and Emeka Okafor both scored 18. The New Orleans defense left too many open too many three point attempts and did not pressure the ball, allowing the Spurs to make passes as if they were mindlessly going through drills.

Parker scored 11 of his points in the third quarter, continually getting to and near the rim. He took a fall late in the that quarter, having both feet caught up in another player's leg, landing him on his hip. Ultimately, he only had his breath knocked out from him; no further injury was reported during the telecast.

Overall, the Spurs looked like a team that enjoyed playing together; they made extra passes, found the open shots, and looked as if they'd been playing together for a couple of years. Giving up 96 points does not a happy Popovich make; they need improvement in closing down passing lanes and closing out shooters. The Hornets shot 50% from the floor, a percentage that will not allow the Spurs to contend as they hope. To dominate a game like this, with minimal offensive contributions from Duncan, gives promise that this new-blooded Spurs bunch is ready to give the Western Conference, namely, the Lakers, a run for their title.