Robinson Steps Up as Spurs Beat Kings

David Robinson is rarely the key figure for the San Antonio Spurs these days, but he certainly filled that role against the Sacramento Kings.

Robinson scored six of his 26 points in overtime and also grabbed 15 rebounds Tuesday night as the Spurs defeated the Kings, 98-92, at Sacramento.

On a night when Tim Duncan missed 16 of 22 shots in a physical game, Robinson delivered the big points for the defending NBA champions.

Despite playing with five fouls, Robinson sent the game into overtime with a free throw, then scored six consecutive points in the extra session as the Spurs held off the Kings, who had won the three previous meetings.

“It’s fun being in this situation as the go-to guy, but it’s a little tougher when you’re not used to it,” said Robinson, who also had three blocks and two steals. “Tim was a little hurt tonight, so the rest of us had to step it up. This was a big win for us.”

Bothered after aggravating a slight knee injury early in the game, Duncan still had 18 points and 13 rebounds for the Spurs, who outscored Sacramento, 14-8, in overtime to win their third in a row.

Dallas 92, Portland 81--Michael Finley scored 24 points and Dirk Nowitzki added 21 and 14 rebounds at Dallas as the Mavericks won their fifth in a row.

Erick Strickland had 18 points and Shawn Bradley scored 12 to help the Mavericks win for the seventh time in eight games.

Rasheed Wallace scored 13 points to lead the Trail Blazers, who made only 34.6% of their shots and only 19 of 33 free throws.

Houston 103, Denver 93--Walt Williams had 23 points and 12 rebounds and the Rockets outscored the Nuggets, 14-2, in the final 6:20 at Denver to win their fourth in a row.

Chicago 100, New Jersey 93--Elton Brand had 22 points, 15 rebounds and a season-high seven assists to lead the Bulls at Chicago.

Golden State 109, Vancouver 97--Larry Hughes scored 28 points and Jason Caffey and Mark Davis each added 25 for the Warriors at Oakland.

Around the League

The Dallas Mavericks signed free agent Roderick Rhodes for the last six games of the season, a move that will pay the former USC player $27,000 and give him a chance to earn a contract for next season.