French star Tony Parker scored 26
points to help the San Antonio Spurs rout French club Asvel
Villeurbanne 115-90 in an exhibition game Thursday night.
Parker, unable to play for France in the recent world
championship because of a broken finger, received a warm reception
from the home fans.
``I really wanted to do well, because I could not play for France
at the world championship,'' Parker said. ``The reception I got from
the fans here warmed my heart.''
``It was good, although it felt a bit strange to play against a
French team in the Spurs jersey. I wanted to play well because I am
in France.''
Toronto native Rowan Barrett led Asvel Villeurbanne with 22
points, while Brian Green had 17.
The Spurs next play Maccabi Tel Aviv in Paris on Sunday, as part
of the NBA Europe Live tour. The Israeli club will later fly across
the Atlantic to take on the Toronto Raptors in another exhibition
match on Oct. 19 in Toronto.
Maccabi surprised the Raptors last season 105-103 in an Oct. 16
pre-season game in Toronto, marking only the second loss by an NBA
team in the 28 games held since the NBA sanctioned international
competitions in 1987.
``It will be harder against Maccabi, but we have a match in our
legs and we will be ready,'' Parker said. ``I am in France. My
family and friends are here. We had a wonderful five days in Lyon.''
Tim Duncan added 19 points and Brent Barry had 12 for the Spurs.
``The team is still coming together, but we moved the ball around
nicely,'' Parker said.
Parker was 10-for-13 from the field against Villeurbanne, a
French Pro A league team. Parker sat most of the second half but,
after pleading with coach Gregg Popovich, returned for the final
minute of the game to loud applause.
``I didn't want to bring on Tony Parker at the end,'' Popovich
said. ``I finally did, because we are in France and you have to
please the fans.''
The Spurs are one of four NBA teams spending a portion of its
pre-season overseas in Europe. The Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles
Clippers and Phoenix Suns also are taking part.
The Spurs have been camped at nearby Lyon, famed as one of the
food capitals of the world.
``Very honestly, it's been terrific,'' Popovich said. ``The food,
the wine, the camaraderie. It's been fantastic.''
