TORONTO (Reuters) - Tony Parker scored 26 points and Tim Duncan added 19 points and 10 rebounds on Tuesday as the San Antonio Spurs opened defense of its NBA title in style with a 102-91 win over Denver Nuggets.

The Spurs opened the new season by celebrating last year's title, raising the championship banner to the rafters of the SBC Center and receiving their commemorative rings.

After the ceremony the Spurs got quickly down to business, including newcomer Michael Finley who scored 16 points in his San Antonio debut.

It wasn't until the final quarter that the Spurs finally stamped their authority on the contest, Finley hitting a three-pointer with just under nine minutes to play, putting the home side in front to stay 79-78.