In the final third of the NBA season, the defending champions are gaining momentum, reports The New York Times. In New Jersey, San Antonio won its ninth straight game to maintain its spot atop the unforgiving West; they were led by. 2007 Finals MVP Tony Parker, who slashed for 25 points against Devin Harris, the heir to the Kidd throne.
Harris gave Parker fits while in Dallas, but the script was different in Jersey; the Nets shot just 34.6% in the 93-83 loss. They'll get another chance on Tuesday in San Antonio, when they begin a daunting five-game road trip through the rugged Southwest. Nets star Vince Carter is optimistic: "I want to win them all." (More NBA stories.)