Leonard’s late 3-pointer lifts Spurs past Cavaliers

2/14/2013

CLEVELAND — Kawhi Leonard made a 3-pointer with 2.9 seconds remaining to give the San Antonio Spurs a 96-95 win over the Cavaliers on Wednesday night.

Leonard's clutch basket came after Dion Waiters' jump shot with 9.5 seconds remaining put Cleveland ahead 95-93.

The Spurs, who have won 14 of 15, had stars Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili on the floor together for the first time since Jan. 13.

Kyrie Irving, who was held to a season-low six points, missed a desperation runner from the top of the key as time expired.

Tony Parker led the Spurs with 24 points, while Gary Neal scored 15.

Waiters scored 20 points to lead Cleveland, which has dropped three straight after winning a season-high three in a row.

San Antonio called timeout after Waiters' shot put Cleveland ahead. The Cavaliers had a foul to give and grabbed Duncan with 8.8 seconds remaining. The ensuing inbounds pass went to Parker, who missed San Antonio's win in Chicago with a sore ankle. The Spurs' All-Star guard drove into the lane and found a wide-open Leonard in the right corner. Leonard drilled the clutch shot, giving the Spurs a two-point lead.

Cleveland called timeout and inbounded the ball to Irving, who drove past the 3-point line. Parker's tight defense forced the Cavaliers' All-Star guard to put up a tough shot, which hit off the rim.

Tyler Zeller, who was scoreless in 25 minutes Monday, had 16 points, including 12 in the first half, for Cleveland.

Duncan, who had missed eight of the last nine games with a sore left knee, scored 13 points in 25 minutes. Parker was 8 of 14 from the field, and had seven assists in 34 minutes. Ginobili, who had missed nine of the last 13 games with a tight hamstring, had five points.