Duncan(L)(Xinhua Photo)

BEIJING, May, 9 -- Tim Duncan inspired the San Antonio Spurs to an 87-85 win over the Dallas Mavericks in the opening game of their Western Conference semi-final series in Texas on Sunday.

    Duncan delivered 31 points and 13 rebounds for the defending NBA champions, who were playing less than 36 hours after their last game.

    In the Eastern Conference, Detroit made 10 3-pointers in the first half ¡ª one shy of an NBA playoff record ¡ª to open up a 21-point lead at halftime before cruising to a 113-86 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers Game 1 of their second-round series.

    The Pistons finished with a franchise playoff-record 15 3-pointers, on 22 attempts, and missed only one of their 11 attempts beyond the arc before halftime.Enditem