Parker has triumphant return as Hornets down Spurs, 108-93

Kemba Walker scored 33 points and Tony Parker enjoyed a triumphant return to San Antonio as the Charlotte Hornets beat the Spurs 108-93 on Monday night, snapping their seven-game home winning streak.

Parker had eight points, four assists and three rebounds in his first game back in San Antonio after signing with the Hornets during the offseason.

Jeremy Lamb added 19 points and Marvin Williams had 11 for Charlotte, which ended a three-game skid. The Hornets also stopped an 11-game slide in San Antonio.

LaMarcus Aldridge led the Spurs with 28 points and 10 rebounds, but they could not muster enough energy on this night as Parker made his emotional return.

The Spurs honored Parker before the game with a two-minute video of his career highlights in San Antonio, including being drafted with the 28th pick in 2001 and his four NBA championships with the team. The crowd roared in appreciation, chanting “Tony! Tony! Tony!”

The cheers continued when Parker entered for the first time with 4:50 remaining in the first quarter.

Just as he did for 17 seasons with the Spurs, the slippery point guard juked past defenders and drove the paint probing for layups or open teammates. His driving layup put the Hornets up 82-79 with 8:15 remaining.

Parker exited shortly after that and did not return until fans demanded his return by chanting his name again with 17.6 seconds left. Charlotte coach James Borrego, a former Spurs assistant, granted their wish and had Parker enter amid loud cheers that continued until he came out.

Parker had a long embrace with San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich following the game as fans cheered his return.

The jubilation came despite a rough night for the hometown team.

The Spurs opened the game on an 11-3 run but the Hornets followed with a 25-7 spurt to take their first double-digit lead at 28-18.

San Antonio struggled offensively, with two of its top five scorers, Rudy Gay and Marco Belinelli, both out with injuries.

Derrick White finished with 18 points, and DeMar DeRozan and Davis Bertans each had 14 for the Spurs.

(AP)