ESPN Network: ESPN.com | NFL.com | NBA.com | NHL.com | WNBA.com | ABCSports | EXPN | FANTASY | INSIDER

  Scores/Schedules
  Standings
  Statistics
  Transactions
  Injuries
  Players
  Message Board
  NBA StatSearch
  NBA en espaņol
Clubhouses






Sunday, Apr. 8 9:00pm ET
Robinson sidelined, so Duncan scores 28 points

RECAP | BOX SCORE | GAME FLOW

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Even on an off-night, the San Antonio Spurs pull out a victory.

Tim Duncan had 28 points and nine rebounds Sunday night for the Spurs, who didn't play well yet still turned in their fourth consecutive victory, holding off the Golden State Warriors 84-76.

The Spurs, who have won nine of their last 11, played without David Robinson, who was out with tightness in his lower back. He is expected to play Tuesday night when the Spurs play host to the Dallas Mavericks.

The Spurs own the NBA's best record at 55-22 with five games remaining. Against Golden State, they committed 17 turnovers, made just three of 12 3-point attempts and were outrebounded 52-41.

"We're just thrilled to get out of here with a win," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "Golden State played loose and they played aggressive. But we got the win, and that's the important thing."

San Antonio outscored the Warriors 22-18 in the fourth quarter as Duncan had 10 points in the period, including two free throws and a basket in the lane, putting the Spurs ahead 80-71 with 2:33 remaining.

But it wasn't the same playing without Robinson, who missed his first game of the season. The Warriors had 22 offensive rebounds. A 36 percent shooting percentage was a big part of Golden State's undoing.

"It is so difficult without David in there, he is such a big asset for us," Duncan said. "The Warriors played tough, they were real aggressive. We really missed David out there and all that he brings to the table."

Antonio Daniels made six of eight shots and finished with 19 points for the Spurs. Danny Ferry added 10.

The Spurs closed out a three-game road trip, winning all three. They have important homes games this week against Dallas, Sacramento and Denver over a five-day stretch.

"We would be crazy to say we don't care about having the best record. Obviously we would love to have it," Popovich said. "Philadelphia, Sacramento and several other teams are trying to get us. If it happens, it happens."

Warriors coach Dave Cowens said he believes the Spurs are the NBA's best team right now, so he took the defeat with a grain of reality.

"This is arguably the best team in the NBA and I know we got them on a back-to-back, but we held them to 84 points and that's pretty good," Cowens said. "We did a good job in the post and we decided not to give them any 3-pointers. We played Duncan open and we caused some turnovers. I think we played better defensively than we have in quite some time."

Vonteego Cummings had 16 points, seven rebounds and six assists for the struggling Warriors, who have lost seven in a row and 18 of their last 19. Injury-plagued Golden State, which suited up just nine players, has compiled a 4-32 record since Jan. 21.

Antawn Jamison added 13 points for Golden State, Chris Porter had 12 points and Corie Blount 10 points and 14 rebounds.

"We didn't want another game like Portland when everybody booed us," Cummings said. "We still came up short, so we're not satisfied."

The Spurs led 45-39 at the half and 62-58 going into the final period.

Game notes
Daniels made a running 3-pointer just past midcourt to conclude the first half. ... The Spurs improved to 21-1 when they hold a team less than 80 points. ... Ferry leads the NBA in 3-point shooting and entered the game making 28 of his last 48 attempts. ... Jamison missed all three shots and had zero points at the half and finished 4-for-18.

Send this story to a friend
ALSO SEE
NBA Scoreboard

San Antonio Clubhouse

Golden State Clubhouse


RECAPS
Miami 81
New York 76

Indiana 108
New Jersey 83

Sacramento 98
Portland 89

Toronto 100
Chicago 88

LA Lakers 104
Minnesota 99

San Antonio 84
Golden State 76

Seattle 101
Milwaukee 88


ESPN.com:  HELP |  ADVERTISER INFO |  CONTACT US |  TOOLS |  SITE MAP
Copyright ©2000 ESPN Internet Group. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Safety Information are applicable to this site. Employment opportunities at ESPN.com.