Tim Duncan Scoreless For 1st Time

Tim Duncan was held scoreless for the first time in 1360 games - As TCU tied for the largest comeback in bowl game history downtown, a few miles northeast at the AT&T Center, San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan finished without a point for the first regular-season game in his 19-year career. Aldridge added eight points in the quarter to offset Harden's nine points for the Rockets as San Antonio, thanks to 57 percent shooting from the field, led 29-27 after 12 minutes.

Ariza 4-10 0-0 10, Capela 4-6 0-0 8, Howard 6-9 10-17 22, Beverley 3-8 3-6 10, Harden 6-10 3-3 17, Jones 3-7 2-2 8, Lawson 3-6 0-0 6, Brewer 4-10 2-3 11, Terry 3-5 0-0 9, McDaniels 0-1 0-0 0, Harrell 1-2 0-2 2.

Tim Duncan will return to action tonight after having missed the Spurs' past three games.

Green was a force on defense, too, helping contain Rockets guard James Harden to 17 points and only one in the second half. A week later San Antonio began the new year on a high note as they executed an almost flawless second half and blitzed their Texas rival 121-103.

Manu Ginobili was asked what kind of lift Green gave the Spurs' offense, especially in the first quarter.

Still, while Green is searching for his shot, his head coach knows he doesn't have to say anything to him for any sort of motivation or direction.

It was a unusual night in San Antonio, but at least one Spur found humor in the situation. Twelve different players scored for Sacramento, as the Karl-led Kings (13-20) got a much-needed win. Houston beat the Silver and Black 88-84 on Christmas night, but the Rockets have lost four in a row since then. The Spurs led by five at the half, 60-55.

The 19-year-vet failed to score a point for the first time in his illustrious pro basketball career. It may of never been predicted that the Rockets would keep Duncan from being able to put the ball in the basket, but they were the team that held off the center.

"LaMarcus is more and more comfortable every day", San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said. The Spurs can look forward to showdowns against Golden State and Cleveland later this month, but first have to continue to take care of business against a series of sub-.500 opponents.

The Rockets have allowed 110 or more points in each of their last three games. The All-Star is averaging 15.5 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.37 blocks/steals per game.

Harden is a premier talent to be sure, but it remains unclear what types of players need to surround him to field a tough, contending team. "He is just invaluable to us", Aldridge said, referring to Diaw.