The Memphis Grizzlies boosted their confidence - and their NBA playoff hopes - with a 111-104 victory over the league-leading San Antonio Spurs on Sunday.

Although the Spurs were missing some key players, notably injured veteran Tim Duncan, the victory over the team with the best record in the league had the Grizzlies looking ahead as the season enters the final stretch.

"To be a playoff team you have to be tough. That's requisite number one," said Memphis reserve forward Shane Battier, who scored 10 points.

"I think we showed we are a tough team. I would like to play a little smarter. That's the next step. But you have to have toughness and there's no doubt in this team's toughness."

Tony Allen and Zach Randolph had 23 points apiece and the Grizzlies handed the Spurs their third straight defeat -- all without Duncan, who is nursing a sprained left ankle.

AFP

(China Daily 03/29/2011 page22)