Blair scores 28 as Spurs beat Nuggets 114-99

San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan (21) attempts a basket after being fouled by Denver Nuggets shooting guard Arron Afflalo during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012 in Denver. (AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez)

By Pat Graham

AP Sports Writer / February 23, 2012

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DENVER—DeJuan Blair tied a career high with 28 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, helping the San Antonio Spurs beat the Denver Nuggets 114-99 on Thursday night to wrap up a nine-game road swing.

Buoyed by a 19-1 run midway through the first quarter, the Spurs jumped out to a big lead and then held on at the end. They've won 12 of their last 13 heading into the All-Star break and lead the Southwest Division by three games over the defending champion Dallas Mavericks.

All five starters for the Spurs scored in double figures. Tony Parker had 16 points and 12 assists, while Tim Duncan added 18 points. Richard Jefferson hit 5 of 7 3-point attempts and scored 17.

Corey Brewer scored 23 points for the Nuggets, who have lost 12 of their last 16.