Clippers at Spurs
THE STORY: One game does not decide a postseason series, but the San Antonio Spurs continued to display an aura of invincibility in methodically dismantling the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals. It was the 15th consecutive victory for the Spurs, who can take a 2-0 series lead over the visiting Clippers on Thursday night. San Antonio has scored more than 100 points in 14 of the past 15 games and set a franchise playoff record with 13 3-pointers Tuesday.
TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS: Whether Los Angeles can disrupt the Spurs’ precision offense remains a question, but there is no doubt the Clippers will be facing a short series without better play from Chris Paul. The All-Star point guard, battling a hip flexor strain, managed only six points in Game 1 and was scoreless over the final three quarters. Paul did have 10 assists and five steals, but he also committed five turnovers and missed his last nine shots. Blake Griffin (knee) had 15 points and nine rebounds, but played fewer than 29 minutes for the second straight game and admitted he was feeling “80 percent.” The silver lining was the play of reserve guard Eric Bledsoe, who tied his career high with 23 points.
ABOUT THE SPURS: The Clippers could not stop Tim Duncan, but perhaps the Sports Illustrated jinx can. Duncan, who appears on the cover of this week’s issue, was magnificent in Game 1 with 26 points and 10 rebounds – his 133rd postseason double-double. It was the highest output in the playoffs for the 36-year-old Duncan since he scored 29 in May 2010. Veteran Manu Ginobili, another of San Antonio’s old guard, came off the bench to score 22 points and was among three Spurs players to hit three 3-pointers. One of the intriguing subplots of the series is the much-ballyhooed matchup at point guard between Paul and Tony Parker. Like Paul, Parker struggled in the opener with seven points on 1-for-9 shooting, though he had a game-high 11 assists.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Spurs C Boris Diaw grabbed 12 rebounds – his second-highest total of the season – to help his team dominated the backboards 47-34.
2. Clippers G Nick Young nailed all three 3-point attempts and had 13 points, helping Los Angeles to a 46-37 edge in bench scoring.
3. San Antonio is averaging 110.8 points during its 15-game winning streak.