Van Exel's touch is golden for Warriors

Van Exel scored 16 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Golden State Warriors beat the San Antonio Spurs, 91-89, in Oakland, Calif.

Van Exel, playing a backup role because of a sore left knee, either tied the score or gave the Warriors the lead with five of his seven fourth-quarter baskets, including a long 3-pointer with 20 seconds left.

"He's giving the other guys confidence because of his ability to hit shots," Warriors coach Eric Musselman said.

Golden State has won four in a row.

"I can't be afraid to take it," Van Exel said. "That's the way I've played all my life. If I miss it, I fail. If I make it, I help the team, and that's what it's all about."

Said San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich: "Nick is Nick. He loves that mano-a-mano stuff. He got it done for them."

Tim Duncan, who missed a wide-open 20-footer in the final second, led the defending NBA champion Spurs with 27 points and 15 rebounds. Tony Parker added 19 points, and Rasho Nestorovic had 14 points and 11 rebounds.

"We made too many mistakes down the stretch," Duncan said, "especially myself."

Mike Dunleavy and Brian Cardinal each had 11 points for the Warriors, and Erick Dampier had 16 rebounds. The Warriors' 8-7 mark going into December marks the first time they have been above .500 at this point in the season since 1994.

In other late games Saturday, Seattle subdued Houston, 95-88, and Denver dropped the Clippers, 98-86. . . .

In Seattle, Rashard Lewis scored 27 points rookie Luke Ridnour had 8 of his 11 points in the fourth quarter for the SuperSonics. . . .

In Los Angeles, Voshon Lenard scored a season-high 26 points and the Nuggets never trailed in handing the Clippers their sixth straight loss.