Manu Subdues Feisty Wolves

The West's worst team gave the defending champs a scare, but super-sub Manu Ginobili hit a go-ahead jumper with six seconds left to vault the Spurs over the Timberwolves, 100-99. Ginobili's monster 44-point game included six straight threes in six minutes during the second quarter (seven overall) and 11-of-12 free-throw shooting.

It was the first game back from injury for Spurs star signal-caller Tony Parker, who had eight points in 18-plus minutes. Recent San Antonio acquisition Kurt Thomas did not play; Minnesota was without 2007 All-Star dunk champion Gerald Green, who was traded to Houston before the 3pm trade deadline.