Milwaukee lost for the second time in nine games as the Bucks (9-3) came to San Antonio off to their best start since the 2001-02 season

Richard Jefferson had 11 points and Keith Bogans added 10 for the Spurs.

Notes

Spurs G Manu Ginobili is said to be making progress on recovering from his strained left groin, but coach Gregg Popovich offered no firm timetable for his return. Ginobili has not played since Nov. 18. ... Bucks C Kurt Thomas, the only one of three Spurs players Milwaukee kept in the Jefferson deal this summer, had six points and five rebounds.