Spurs 108, Kings 102
SACRAMENTO -- The San Antonio Spurs have made a habit of feeling comfortable when they play the Sacramento Kings anywhere.
It didn't make a difference to them where they defeated the home-standing Kings, 108-102, Tuesday night before an announced crowd of 14,950 at Sleep Train Arena.
The Spurs, owners of the NBA's best record at 43-12, held the lead from start to finish and repeatedly held off small charges by the Kings (19-36).
The Kings moved within 103-100 during the game's final minute, but couldn't corral a missed 3-point attempt from the corner by Kawhi Leonard. The Spurs turned the new possession into a driving lay-in by Tony Parker with 19.7 seconds and a 105-100 lead.
Parker led all scorers with 30 points and added 11 assists to offset seven turnovers. Danny Green chipped in with 21 points. All-Star forward Tim Duncan scored just nine points, but had a game-high 14 rebounds.
The Spurs put five players into double figures and exhibited their penchant for having numerous players make just enough plays to leave with a victory. San Antonio, which led 50-41 at halftime, leads the league with 21 road victories.
Six Kings reached double figures led by point guard Isaiah Thomas' 22 points and Tyreke Evans' 20 points.
NOTES: This was just the third and last home game in February for the Kings. They begin a five-game, eight-day road trip Friday in Atlanta. ... San Antonio entered this game having won nine straight in Sacramento dating back to Nov. 26, 2007. ... Parker leads the team in scoring (20.8) and assists (7.8). He leads all guards with a 53.6 field-goal shooting percentage. ... After making 8 of 8 free throws Tuesday night, Thomas has made 43 straight free-throw attempts. ... Tim Duncan will turn 37 on Apr. 25 and ranks 13th in rebounding (9.6) and third in blocked shots (2.75) per game. He averages 29.7 minutes. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has been impressed by the development of second-year swingman Leonard. "I look at this year as his first season. He didn't have a training camp last year. I think his progress has been phenomenal. He understands what we're doing offensively and defensively and he's one of those guys who is here before practice and after practice."
