Lynam's Instant Replay: Spurs 93, Sixers 76

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SAN ANTONIO -- The Spurs were playing their third game in as many nights. Tim Duncan, who averages 15 points and nine rebounds, did not dress because Spurs coach Greg Popovitch wanted to get him some rest. San Antonio was also without Tiago Splitter (back spasms) and Gary Neal (ankle sprain).

Despite those subtractions, the Sixers were still unable to get a victory Sunday.

Elton Brand hit a jumper at the 8-minute mark of the third quarter to pull the Sixers within two points. But San Antonio outscored the Sixers, 19-10, to close out the quarter. The onslaught continued into the fourth before the Spurs finished the Sixers, 93-76, a the AT&T Center.

The Sixers were minus Andre Iguodala, who just before the game was said to be dealing with left patella tendonitis. It was the first game this season Iguodala missed.

Turning Point
The Sixers average the fewest turnovers in the NBA at 10.8 a game, the Spurs forced them into 21 Sunday, which San Antonio then converted into 27 points.

Follow the Leader
Defensively, Jrue Holiday could do little to slow down Tony Parker, who scored 37 points and dished out eight assists the last time he played the Sixers. This go around, the Spurs point guard had 21 points and seven assists.

Holiday followed his strong offensive game against the Celtics, when he scored 15 points, with a 10-point showing against the Spurs. Unfortunately, all 10 points came in the first quarter, when he shot 5 for 7. He was 0 for 7 the rest of the way.

Spurs forward DaJuan Blair had 19 points and six rebounds, while Brand led the Sixers with 12 points and nine rebounds.

Stat-egic
The Sixers have attempted the fewest free throws in the NBA, an average 18 per game. Through three quarters, they were 3 for 5 at the line, while San Antonio was 12 for 18. By games' end, the Sixers were 5 for 11 at the line.

Take A Bow
We got our first significant look at newcomer Sam Young, who joined the Sixers at the trade deadline on March 15. Young scored eight points and grabbed nine rebounds, showing the toughness he was said to possess.

Whats Next
The Sixers will host Cleveland on Tuesday night. Earlier in the year, the Sixers beat the Cavaliers, 99-84. The Sixers made a season-high 23 free throws that night and were led in scoring by Lou Williams (19 points). They held Cleveland to 37 percent shooting.

Cleveland is currently on a three-game losing streak, having lost to the Suns Sunday afternoon, 108-83. The Cavs are led in scoring by rookie sensation Kyrie Irving, who is averaging 19 points and six assists, both team highs.E-mail Dei Lynam at dlynam@comcastsportsnet.com

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