Spurs Preseason Dominance Continues

Apparently it's worth mentioning for several media outlets that the Spurs have "lost six of its seven exhibition games." San Antonio Express-News Staff Writer Johnny Ludden knows better, though.

If there was any question as to whether the Spurs' newcomers would be ready to immediately contribute, it might have been answered Saturday night.

Michael Finley, Nick Van Exel and Fabricio Oberto combined for 35 points off the bench as the Spurs lost to the New York Knicks 96-90 at the SBC Center.

Oberto (10 points, six rebounds) brought the crowd — and his teammates — to their feet with a between-the-legs pass to Finley, who was standing behind him in the corner. Finley made the open jump shot for two of his 15 points.

Van Exel (10 points, four assists) later threw a wrap-around pass to Oberto, who laid the ball through the rim as he was fouled.

Despite their influx of talent, the Spurs showed they haven't lost their willingness to share the ball. On one fourth-quarter possession, they made seven passes until Oberto sprang free for a layup.

"We are all starting to play better together," Manu Ginobili said. "We still need to get to know each other better, but we are making some progress. We're on the right track."