Kings Keep It Closer, but Spurs Still Win

Manu Ginobili scored 25 points and Tim Duncan had 20 for the Spurs, who fended off a late rally for a 90-80 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night at San Antonio.

Sacramento, which lost to San Antonio by 30 points at home Sunday, made it more of a contest despite playing without Peja Stojakovic, who had back spasms.

The Kings cut San Antonio’s lead to 78-77 when Chris Webber stole the ball and passed to Brad Miller for a layup with 5:06 left. The Spurs then went on an 8-0 run as Robert Horry made three free throws, Bruce Bowen made a three-point basket and Duncan worked inside for a layup.

Miller had 19 points for the Kings, who lost the season series, 3-1.

Detroit 88, Indiana 76 -- Chauncey Billups scored 20 points to lead a balanced scoring attack to help the Pistons beat the Pacers for the second time in as many meetings at Indianapolis since the Nov. 19 brawl.

Detroit was never seriously threatened after 13-2 and 6-0 first-half runs in winning its second in a row after losing four in a row. Indiana lost its third in a row in a game featuring five technical fouls. Jermaine O’Neal had 27 points for Indiana.

The teams play for the last time in the regular season March 25 at Auburn Hills, Mich., in the Pacers’ first trip there since the fight.

Chicago 101, Charlotte 93 -- It was a night for the reserves at Chicago as Jannero Pargo scored all 14 of his points in the fourth quarter and Andres Nocioni added 17 to lead the Bulls to their fifth victory in a row.

Another backup, Eric Piatkowski, scored 16 points for Chicago, which got 63 points from its reserves in winning for the 12th time in its last 13 games.

Kareem Rush had 24 points for Charlotte, which lost its 10th in a row.