NBA: Fortson keys fourth-quarter run
( 2003-10-20 11:20) (NBA.com)
Four months later in a game that doesn't count, the Dallas Mavericks finally
got their fourth-quarter revenge.
Danny Fortson scored all 14 of his points in a game-ending 24-2 run as the
Mavericks rallied for an 89-84 exhibition victory over the San Antonio Spurs on
Sunday.
In Game Six of the Western Conference finals last season, the Spurs trailed
by 13 points in the fourth quarter at Dallas before scoring 23 straight points
to take control of the game, win the series and eventually become NBA champions.
It was a complete reversal in this meaningless meeting. Host San Antonio held
an 82-65 lead after two free throws by Hedo Turkoglu with 7:49 to play, then
scored just two points thereafter.
Fortson, acquired with high-scoring forward Antawn Jamison from Golden State,
scored 10 straight points during one stretch. The Mavericks are hoping he can
provide an interior presence they have lacked.
Both teams were using reserves in the final period. The Mavs played without
All-Star forward Dirk Nowitzki and the Spurs were without point guard Tony
Parker, both of whom have ankle injuries.
First-round pick Josh Howardscored 17 points for Dallas. Steve Nash added 13
points. Manu Ginobili scored 23 points, Tim Duncan added 15 and Turkoglu had 10
for San Antonio.
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