Blake Griffin scored 25 points and hauled down 11 rebounds to lead the Los Angeles Clippers (3-2) past the San Antonio Spurs (3-2) 114-107 this evening in the Staples Center.
The Clippers led for nearly the entire game. The Spurs had no answer for the Clippers' low post players of Griffin or DeAndre Jordan. In addition to Griffin's double-double performance, Jordan also recorded a double-double as he hit six of his seven shot attempts on his way to 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Chris Paul did his thing, as well, as he just missed out on a double-double with 20 points and nine assists. The Clippers also got a boost from their bench as Jamal Crawford and Caron Butler came off the bench to add 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Tim Duncan shined for the Spurs as he scored a season-high 27 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Tony Parker also had a great game, especially in managing the offense, as he tallied 15 points and 14 assists. Kawhi Leonard added 14 points and four rebounds while Manu Ginobili scored 11 points and recorded six assists. Tiago Splitter also got his first double-double performance of the year as he ended with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Danny Green added 10 points, as well.
However, the Spurs' problem was not their offense, but rather the fact that they allowed the Clippers to shoot over 53% from the floor and get to the free throw line 28 times while only forcing five turnovers. This culminated in 114 points for the Clippers, something the Spurs just could not match tonight.
San Antonio will face Sacramento next in two days.
The San Antonio Spurs (4-2) bounced back from their loss to the Clippers two days ago as they defeated the Sacramento Kings (2-4) tonight 109-98.
Kawhi Leonard led the Spurs with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Danny Green tallied 17 points and six boards while Tony Parker racked up 16 points, four rebounds, and eight assists. Tim Duncan also added 15 points and four rebounds while Manu Ginobili came off the bench to record 11 points and five assists.
The Spurs led this one throughout, though the Kings never allowed the Spurs to run away with it until the final quarter.
Marcus Thorton was a big reason why the Kings kept it close as he scored a game-high 29 points and also grabbed five rebounds and dished out five assists to lead the Kings. Tyreke Evans also added 20 points and eight rebounds while DeMarcus Cousins did work down low, ending with 19 points and 16 rebounds. Jason Thompson also added 10 points, five rebounds, and a pair of blocks.
San Antonio will face Portland on the road tomorrow night in what will be the second game of a back-to-back.
Despite not having start point guard Damian Lillard, the Portland Trail Blazers (1-5) nearly pulled off the upset this evening in Portland against the visiting San Antonio Spurs (5-2). In the end, Portland's comeback bid fell short, however, as the Spurs escaped with a 102-98 victory.
A big reason why Portland was able to keep it close was the exploits of Nicolas Batum, who stepped up in a big way in Lillard's absence due to back spasms. Batum scored 37 points and 13-for-22 shooting and single-handily kept Portland in the game for much of the middle portion of the game. 37 points is a new career-high for Batum.
He didn't get much help, unfortunately. Wesley Matthews had a poor shooting night, but still totaled 15 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and four steals while LaMarcus Aldridge scored 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. No one else scored in double-figures.
In comparison, the Spurs used a balanced attack to torch the Trail Blazers' defense. The Spurs got six players in double-figures, but no player scored more than 16 points. Tim Duncan and Tony Parker led the way. Duncan scored 16 points and grabbed 12 rebounds while Parker paced the offense with 16 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. Danny Green (14), Gary Neal (13), Kawhi Leonard (13), and Manu Ginobili (10) were the other players to reach double-figures. Ginobili also added eight assists.
For the Spurs, it was the second night of a back-to-back, which could help to explain some of their struggles.
The Spurs have a huge game at the Staples Center against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 13th.
04-26-2013, 02:49 PM
