SAN ANTONIO (Ticker) -- The San Antonio Spurs have re-established their defense. Hedo Turkoglu has rediscovered his offense.
The Spurs held the Houston Rockets to eight points in a quarter for the second time in as many games and rode 13 points from Turkoglu to their sixth straight victory, an 86-73 triumph.
"We're pleased with these wins," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "The key for us is not to get satisfied because we haven't accomplished anything. We're on the journey to get better."
On Thursday, San Antonio limited Houston to eight points in the second quarter - its best defensive period of the season - in a 71-67 win. In the back end of the home-and-home series, the Spurs did it again, jumping to a 21-8 lead after one period.
Perennially among the leaders in opponents' shooting percentage, the Spurs are holding foes below 40 percent this season and limited the Rockets to 33 percent (28-of-84) from the field. During their winning streak, the defending NBA champions have allowed less than 80 points four times.
"We understand that is our philosophy," Spurs swingman Bruce Bowen said. "When we're really getting after it with our principles, we do a good job. If the shot is not falling, make sure we have our defense to rely on. We're getting an understanding of our defense, including our newcomers."
While the defense is rounding into form, so is Turkoglu. Acquired from Sacramento in a three-team trade during the offseason, the 6-9 swingman has been erratic, scoring in double figures just six times this season while shooting just 41.5 percent.
But the native of Turkey followed a scoreless game at Houston with one of his best outings of the season, fueling a pair of pivotal runs. He made 6-of-11 shots and grabbed seven rebounds.
"It was very important," said Spurs guard Manu Ginobili, who scored 16 points. "He was making big shots."
"I'm happy for Hedo," Bowen said. "He competed tonight. He got a little down early (in the season). When he's going like that, it's beneficial for everyone."
The Spurs never trailed and led by as many as 24 points despite a rare poor game from Tim Duncan, who scored just eight points on 2-of-10 shooting. Rasho Nesterovic scored 14 points and Tony Parker added 10 and 12 assists.
"Coach wants me to get everyone involved more, to give Rasho and Turkoglu more confidence," Parker said. "That's what I try to do."
Steve Francis scored 17 points for the Rockets, who shot just 33 percent (24-of-72). They have lost 12 straight visits to San Antonio.
"We are in a bad way right now," Houston coach Jeff Van Gundy said. "We broke down totally in the second half."
Turkoglu and Parker scored four points each in a 15-4 run that closed the opening period. Turkoglu had six more in a 14-4 surge that widened the lead to 63-45 with 1:42 left in the third quarter.
