SAN ANTONIO ? Tim Duncan can be added to the list of those who believe the Seattle SuperSonics are for real.

The surprising Sonics built a big first-half lead Wednesday night against San Antonio, and then they got clutch scoring from Ray Allen down the stretch to hold on for a 102-96 victory over the Spurs.

“They’re a very good team,” said Duncan, who scored a season-high 39 points while leading a San Antonio comeback that petered out in the final minutes.

“Very well-coached — they execute well,” Duncan said. “We have respect for them.”

Seattle’s victory ended San Antonio’s 21-game home winning streak.

It also was the Sonics’ second win this season against San Antonio in as many tries, and both times they topped 100 points. The best anyone else has managed against the Spurs, now 16-4, is 96 points.

Despite the two wins, Allen called San Antonio the league’s best team and said the Sonics still were taking shape.

“Right now, we’re just one of the teams with the best records,” said Allen, who finished with 29 points, including a pair of three-pointers late in the game after San Antonio pulled to within a basket.

Nuggets 111, Wizards 105

Seattle's Ray Allen (34) drives past San Antonio's Bruce Bowen. The Sonics defeated the Spurs, 102-96, Wednesday night in San Antonio.

Washington — Andre Miller had a season-high 34 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, leading Denver over Washington. Carmelo Anthony added 23 points, and Marcus Camby 16 points and nine rebounds as the Nuggets won the first of seven road games in 11 days, their longest trip since the 1987-88 season.

T’wolves 119, 76ers 84

Philadelphia — Eddie Griffin scored a career-high 27 points and Latrell Sprewell had 24 in his return from a one-game suspension, leading Minnesota over Philadelphia.

Pistons 90, Raptors 86, OT

Auburn Hills, Mich. — Richard Hamilton scored six of his 19 points in overtime as Detroit held off Toronto. Rasheed Wallace added 16 points, while Ben Wallace had 15 points, 16 rebounds and six blocks for the Pistons, who blew a 12-point fourth-quarter lead but recovered to win their third straight.

Knicks 86, Hornets 79

New Orleans — Stephon Marbury had 22 points and nine assists, helping New York end a three-game losing streak with a victory over New Orleans, dropping the Hornets to 0-9 at home.

Bulls 113, Cavaliers 85

Chicago — Eddy Curry scored 20 points, and rookie Ben Gordon added 21 to lead Chicago over Cleveland. Tyson Chandler added 15 points and nine rebounds for Chicago.

Magic 106, Jazz 100

Salt Lake City — Cuttino Mobley scored 26 points and hit a clutch three-pointer in the final minute, and Orlando extended Utah’s losing streak to six.

Heat 101, Bucks 96

Milwaukee — Shaquille O’Neal scored eight of his 18 points in the fourth quarter, leading Miami over Milwaukee. O’Neal played just 21 minutes because of foul trouble.

Grizzlies 97, Hawks 89

Atlanta — Pau Gasol scored 24 points to lead Memphis over Atlanta, the Grizzlies’ third win in four games under new coach Mike Fratello.

Suns 113, Lakers 110

Los Angeles — Quentin Richardson’s three-pointer with 6.9 seconds remaining capped a 21-point effort as Phoenix beat Los Angeles.