The defending NBA champion Spurs ended the Hornets' four-game playoff winning streak and reduced their deficit in the Western Conference semifinals to 2-1.

Game 4 is set for Sunday in San Antonio.

New Orleans owned a two-point lead at halftime and appeared ready to push the Spurs to the brink of elimination when San Antonio came to life down the stretch. The Spurs moved in front by five after three periods, but David West hit a jumper with 9:37 remaining that brought the Hornets within two.

Tony Parker then made a layup, Tim Duncan made another one and Manu Ginobili scored to make it 96-88. Parker hit another field goal and Bowen nailed a three-pointer for a 101-88 lead with six minutes to play.

New Orleans missed six shots and turned the ball over once during the San Antonio surge.

The Spurs coasted from there with Ginobili and Parker both scoring 31 points and Duncan adding 16.

New Orleans was led by 35 from Chris Paul and 23 from David West.