Texas Showdown In SA: Spurs, Mavericks Duel Tonight On TNT

There are still six weeks left in the NBA season, but a lot is on the line tonight in San Antonio. The Spurs (44-12 on the season) play the Mavericks (45-11) this evening, and the winner walks away with the Western Conference lead and a likely season series tiebreaker.

Both teams are playing incredibly well right now: Dallas has won 19 of their last 20 games, some in dramatic fashion; The Spurs are 17-3 over the same stretch. Dallas has been truly impressive this year, with coach Avery Johnson showing a defensive prowess never seen in the Don Nelson era. Meanwhile, San Antonio's road has been bumpy: Tim Duncan continues to struggle with foot injuries, key reserve Robert Horry hasn't played in a month, and Manu Ginobili looks inconsistent after early season ankle problems.

You can catch the terrific game tonight on TNT beginning at 8:30pm. Austinist also hears that The Tavern on N. Lamar is a great spot to catch the game.

In other hoops news, the New Orleans Hornets scored 16 points in the second half of their game last night. Yes, 16 points in an entire half. This feat is offically the NBA's worst scoring half ever. Wow.

Image via CNNSI.com