NBA: San Antonio Spurs hand Miami Heat heaviest defeat of season

San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (No. 21) is defended by Miami Heat centre Greg Oden (No. 20) during the first half at AT&T Centre. Tim Duncan tallied 23 points and 11 rebounds to power the San Antonio Spurs to a 111-87 victory over the Miami
San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (No. 21) is defended by Miami Heat centre Greg Oden (No. 20) during the first half at AT&T Centre. Tim Duncan tallied 23 points and 11 rebounds to power the San Antonio Spurs to a 111-87 victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday, 6 March, 2014, in a rematch of last year's thrilling National Basketball Association Finals.  -- PHOTO: REUTERS/USA TODAY SPORTS

SAN ANTONIO (AFP) - Tim Duncan tallied 23 points and 11 rebounds to power the San Antonio Spurs to a 111-87 victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday, in a rematch of last year's thrilling National Basketball Association Finals.

Tony Parker finished with 17 points and four assists for the Spurs, who also snapped their five-game regular-season losing streak against the Heat.

Miami had beaten the Spurs 113-101 on Jan 26 at home, in the first meeting between the clubs since the Heat won their second consecutive league title after prevailing in a dynamic Game Seven win.

Chris Bosh finished with 24 points with seven rebounds and LeBron James contributed 19 points and eight rebounds for the Heat, who suffered their heaviest loss this season.

It also marked the first time the Heat lost consecutive games since losing three straight in mid-January. They had succumbed to the Houston Rockets 103-106 on Tuesday.

James shot six-of-18 from the field but played a good portion of the second half in foul trouble. Miami shot just 44 per cent from the field and committed 20 turnovers, including 10 in the final quarter.

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