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Bowen, Duncan help Spurs edge Kings

Dec 3, 2006 - 3:52 AM SAN ANTONIO (Ticker) -- Bruce Bowen is proving he is not offensively challenged.

Bowen scored a season-high 23 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:17 left, to help the San Antonio Spurs survive a late charge and hold on for a 100-98 triumph over the Sacramento Kings.

Known for his tenacious defense, Bowen has been huge in the scoring column of late. The 6-7 forward scored 17 points in Wednesday's loss at Utah and has recorded back-to-back games in double figures for the first time this season.

"It's just about trying to do whatever you can to get victories," said Bowen, who shot 7-of-11 from the field. "When the ball is moving for us, we get guys open shots and that's what we want."

Sacramento erased a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit. Kevin Martin connected on a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 4:18 remaining to tie it at 88-88.

"He had a great season he did a great job of making shots," Kings coach Eric Musselman said. "I couldn't be prouder with the effort they put out."

Brad Miller's basket gave the Kings their first lead of the second half at 92-90 with 1:36 to play. But Bowen drained a 3-pointer from the left corner before Tim Duncan scored consecutive baskets to seal the game with 22 seconds left.

"I am glad we won the game," Duncan said. "To give up almost 25 points a quarter and almost 100 in the game is not what we want to do. We're just glad to get the win."

"Our performance was pathetic," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said.

Tony Parker scored 18 of his 20 points before halftime and Duncan chipped in 19 and 11 rebounds for the Spurs, who shot 47 percent (35-of-74) from the field.

"It was an ugly win and we'll take it," Parker said. "We need to go back and get some more practice and get better. I thought we played good for like 2 1/2 quarters."

Martin scored 30 points and John Salmons added 20 for Sacramento, which shot 49 percent (39-of-79) and fell to 0-2 in the season series.

"We played a great game," Salmons said. "I think we showed a lot of character out there."

The Kings were without defensive standout Ron Artest, who missed the game with a strained back. He played just 26 minutes off the bench in Friday's loss at Dallas.

With a six-point advantage already in place, the Spurs put together a 12-2 surge capped by Duncan's one-handed dunk at the 6:56 mark of the third quarter for a 69-53 bulge.