A superb performance from Tim Duncan has helped San Antonio take a series lead in its second round playoff against the Phoenix Suns, while the New Jersey Nets took out their first playoff victory against Cleveland.

In Texas, San Antonio's Tim Duncan produced 33 points, 19 rebounds and three blocks to help the Spurs defeat Phoenix 108-101 in a sometimes spiteful encounter.

Tony Parker lead the way for San Antonio, scoring 14 of his 16 points in the first 24 minutes before Manu Ginobili finally produced his best form this series as he scored 24 points, with 12 of them coming in the deciding third quarter.

Phoenix was hindered by having Amare Stoudemire (21) on the bench for the majority the match as the star Sun endured early foul trouble, while Shaun Marion also scored 26 for the visitors.

The result sees San Antonio move to a 2-1 series lead over Phoenix, while further north, New Jersey produced its first win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in a 96-85 game three win that sees the Nets reduce their series deficit to 2-1.

Jason Kidd produced his 11th career playoff triple-double with 23 points, 13 rebounds and 14 assists, while the other members of the Nets' big three in Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson also scored 23 points apiece.

The victory was built on some solid defensive pressure, with the Nets having 43 rebounds to 30 to reverse the trend from the previous two losses, where Cleveland had outscored them in rebounds quite considerably.

NBA RESULTS

San Antonio Spurs 108
Phoenix Suns 101
San Antonio leads the series 2-1

New Jersey Nets 96
Cleveland Cavaliers 85
Cleveland leads the series 2-1