Ginobili clutch in Spurs’ victory

Manu Ginobili scored 30 points and converted a three-point play with 8.5 seconds left to give San Antonio a 96-94 win Saturday night over the Milwaukee Bucks in Milwaukee, the Spurs’ eighth straight victory.

The Spurs seemed in control until the Bucks mounted an 11-3 run late in the fourth, capped by Charlie Bell’s driving layup that gave the Bucks a 94-93 lead with 20 seconds left.

Ginobili hit a 17-footer with Bell flying at him and then sank a free throw with 8.5 seconds left for a 95-94 lead

Bell had one last chance, but lost the ball in traffic on the Bucks’ next possession. Tony Parker, who scored 26 points, grabbed the ball and was fouled. He made one free throw. After a Bucks’ timeout, the Bucks worked the ball to Michael Redd who was fouled on a drive to hoop. He missed the first free throw and the second on purpose. It almost worked, but Andrew Bogut missed on the putback and the defending NBA champions had a victory.

The Spurs remain the top seed in the Western Conference and are now a game ahead of New Orleans in the Southwest Division.

Parker had his best scoring night since returning Feb. 21 after missing nine games with left ankle inflammation. He shot 11 for 16 in his fifth game back from the injury.

The Bucks did defend Tim Duncan well. The All-Star power forward, who had at least 23 points and 10 rebounds, in each of his last four games, ended up with nine points and seven rebounds.

Redd scored 25 points and Bogut had 17 points and 15 rebounds for the Bucks, who had won three straight home games against Detroit, Denver and Cleveland.

Magic 118, Knicks 92: At Orlando, Fla., Dwight Howard had 26 points and 22 rebounds to help the short-handed Magic beat New York.

Missing injured guards Jameer Nelson and Keyon Dooling, the Magic used only eight players until the last 4:50. All five starters scored in double figures, and three topped 20 points.

Jamal Crawford had 23 points and seven assists, and Quentin Richardson added 16 points and seven rebounds for the Knicks.

Jazz 113, Grizzlies 92: At Memphis, Tenn., Deron Williams had 19 assists and scored 13 points and Utah sent the Grizzlies to their eighth straight loss.

Seven scored in double figures for Utah, including all five starters. Carlos Boozer led Utah with 18 points, and Mehmet Okur finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Kyle Korver matched Okur’s 17 points, and Ronnie Brewer and Andrei Kirilenko scored 16 apiece.

76ers 119, Suns 114: At Phoenix, Andre Iguodala scored 32 points and Philadelphia held on to beat the Suns in Phoenix for the first time in six years.

Andre Miller added 25 points and 12 assists for the 76ers, who shot 57 percent after being blown out at Golden State 119-97 on Friday night.

Pistons 103, Clippers 73: At Los Angeles, Tayshaun Prince had 22 points and 10 assists and Detroit beat the Clippers for its 11th straight victory against Los Angeles.

Rasheed Wallace added 17 points, helping the Pistons win for the 14th time in 17 games.