SAN ANTONIO, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Tim Duncan had 18 points and 18 rebounds Friday night as San Antonio fought off a late Detroit surge to down the Pistons, 80-77.
The Spurs equaled the best start in franchise history at 14-3.
Detroit trailed by as many as 21 points in the second half but climbed within one with seven seconds remaining on a shot by Chauncey Billups.
Brent Barry then made two foul shots for San Antonio and Malik Rose clinched the game by stealing the inbound pass of Tayshaun Prince.
San Antonio has won 21 straight home games and six games overall. Tony Parker added 20 points while Manu Ginobili had 18.
Ben Wallace returned after a six-game suspension for his role in the infamous brawl during Detroit's game with Indiana on Nov. 20. He scored five points.
