Defence behind Spurs' 11-win run

SACRAMENTO - THE San Antonio Spurs are playing the type of defence they were noted for in their championship seasons.

It is one reason they have an 11-game winning streak.

Manu Ginobili scored 31 points, including five three-pointers, to continue the Spurs' winning ways in a 100-93 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday.

He scored 11 of San Antonio's first 15 points in the fourth quarter, including three three-pointers.

He finished with 16 points in the period to hold off the Kings, who led several times in the fourth.

The loss ended the Kings' four-game winning streak.

While handing out praise for Ginobili's play in the fourth quarter, Spurs All-Star centre Tim Duncan was more impressed with the team's defence. No opponents have scored more than 94 points against them.

'I don't know what it is, but we have turned the corner (on defence) and been more consistent,' said Duncan, who had 15 points and 13 rebounds.

'We use the regular season to get into form and get ready for the play-offs. Maybe it's taken us that long to understand playing defence, but we're starting to do it.'

Ginobili carried much of the offensive load in the final quarter, yet it was point guard Tony Parker who made the two biggest baskets.

With fiancee Eva Longoria watching along the baseline, Parker put the Spurs ahead for good with 2:50 remaining, igniting a 9-0 run.

On the next possession, he flipped in an off-balance, high-arcing shot after being fouled by Corliss Williamson.

The basket put the Spurs ahead 89-86 - and they never looked back.

'But we scored 32 points in the fourth quarter against arguably the best defensive team in the league,' Kings coach Eric Musselman said.

But not enough. Period.

ASSOCIATED PRESS