CHARLOTTE, N.C. _ The Charlotte Hornets went without a shot in their final possession, allowing the San Antonio Spurs to escape with a 104-103 victory at Spectrum Center.
Hornets point guard Terry Rozier drove to the rim, drew multiple defenders, and whipped a one-handed pass to rookie Cody Martin. He couldn't handle the ball, the Spurs grabbed it in and the clock sounded on a game the Hornets once led by 17 in the first half.
Dejounte Murray led the Spurs (26-34) with 21 points. Rozier finished with 20 points and P.J. Washington added 19 on a night when guard Devonte Graham sat out with a sore left ankle.
The Spurs were coached by former superstar Tim Duncan, who joined San Antonio's staff this season. Coach Gregg Popovich couldn't be at the game, the team said, due to a family issue.
The top two focuses for Hornets coach James Borrego post-All Star break were rebounds and turnovers. The turnovers weren't so great in the first half _ Charlotte committed eight _ but outrebounding the Spurs 28-16 before halftime was impressive. The Hornets entered this game 29th among 30 teams in defensive-rebound percentage, a key stat in limiting opposition possessions. They never trailed first half.
The Hornets finished the game with a 47-33 rebounding advantage.
The Spurs assembled a 28-point third quarter to take their first lead that was all about dribble-penetration. A Hornets team that has been much improved defensively of late gave up 10-of-22 shooting from the field.
