The Spurs dominated early, taking a 31-point lead after three quarters, before emptying their bench in the fourth quarter after allowing Denver just 10 third quarter points.

Denver Nuggets guard Allen Iverson (3) drives during the third quarter of their NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs in San Antonio, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2007. San Antonio won 95-80. [AP]

Iverson returned to the Denver lineup after missing nine of the Nuggets last 10 games before the All-Star break with an ankle injury, but scored just nine points on 3-of-11 shooting.

"Usually when I come back from injury, I have my rhythm back," Iverson told reporters. "I didn't today."

Carmelo Anthony, the NBA's leading scorer, managed just 15 points and eight rebounds in 29 minutes as the Nuggets lost their second straight to drop back to the .500 mark at 26-26.

Since Iverson was acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers on December 19, he and Anthony have played just seven times together due to injuries and suspensions and Denver won only the first two.

Tony Parker had 17 points in just 24 minutes to lead the Spurs, who got at least three points from all 12 players they used in the game.

Manu Ginobili played just 19 minutes but had 14 points and Tim Duncan managed 12 points and six rebounds in 25 minutes for San Antonio (36-18), winners of three straight games.

The Spurs trailed for most of the first quarter but rallied to lead 25-21 after one quarter and 49-38 at the half. They broke open the game by out-scoring Denver 30-10 in the third quarter before the Nuggets rallied against their subs.

It was the first home game for the Spurs after an eight-game road trip before the All-Star break during which they went 4-4.

- The Chicago Bulls beat the Atlanta Hawks for the 10th straight time, crushing the Hawks 106-81.

- Gilbert Arenas broke out of a scoring slump with 38 points to help the Washington Wizards beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-100.

- Chauncey Billups scored 19 points as the Detroit Pistons hung on to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 84-83.

- The Charlotte Bobcats defeated the New Orleans Hornets 104-100 in a rugged game that featured five technical fouls and a shoving match involving several players in the third quarter.

- Eddy Curry and Jamal Crawford scored 20 points each to help the New York Knicks beat the Orlando Magic 100-94. The Knicks 24th win surpassed their victory total last season.