(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-02-14 15:24

NEW YORK - The San Antonio Spurs downed the Cleveland Cavaliers 112-105 on Wednesday, marking a successful return to the arena where they won the NBA title last season.

San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan (21) tries to get past Cleveland Cavaliers' Drew Gooden in the fourth quarter, in an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. The Spurs won 112-105. [Agencies]

Manu Ginobili scored a season-high 46 points, including a career-best eight three-pointers, as the Spurs defeated the team they swept from the NBA finals.

San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich was full of praise for the Argentine.

"He's one of the most unbelievable competitors I've been around," Popovich told reporters.

"That's why he has NBA championships and Olympic championships and European championships. He's a pretty special guy."

Ginobili had 18 points in the fourth quarter as the Spurs outscored Cleveland 41-30 in the final 12 minutes to wrap up their annual nine-game "rodeo" road trip 6-3.

San Antonio take the lengthy road trip every year when a rodeo is staged at their home arena.

"It was a special game," Ginobili said. "I felt like every shot was going to go in, and it did."

Tim Duncan added 23 points and 13 rebounds for the Spurs, while Ime Udoka had 12 points off the bench. Duncan was impressed with Ginobili's shooting.

"He's unbelievable when he gets going like that," Duncan said.

LeBron James had 39 points and nine assists for the Cavs while Larry Hughes added 26.