DeJuan Blair drops 28 in Spurs win

October 12, 1:28 AMSan Antonio Spurs ExaminerMichael Chartier

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  (AP Photo/Jeffrey M. Boan)

DeJuan Blair continued to impress, helping San Antonio to a 95-93 win in Miami on Sunday night. It was the Spurs first NBA preseason victory after beating Olympiacos of Greece on Friday.

Blair only nabbed one defensive board but the rookie forward went 11-of-13 from the field and 6-of-10 from the foul line to lead all scorers with 28 points.

San Antonio’s “B” team overcame a 73-62 deficit entering the fourth quarter as both Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili did not make the trip to Miami. The Heat, meanwhile played without Dwyane Wade and Jermaine O’Neal.

Expected regular season starters Tony Parker and Richard Jefferson combined to play just under 26 minutes and Michael Finley led the Spurs’ veterans with 13 minutes of play. Instead, head coach Gregg Popovich continued to take extensive looks at his youngsters, including Blair.

“He’s a real mobile, agile player, even though he’s got the girth that he has,” Popovich told reporters. “It’s a heck of a gift.”

San Antonio continues their preseason slate with games Wednesday and Friday at the AT&T Center when the LA Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers visit. The Spurs open the regular season at home on Oct. 28 with New Orleans in an ESPN nationally televised contest.