San Antonio, TX (Sports Network) - The San Antonio Spurs tied a franchise
playoff record with 13 three-pointers and never trailed in the second half of
their series-opening 108-92 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
There were 12 lead changes in a tight first half of this Western Conference
semifinal, but the well-rested Spurs opened up a 19-point lead in the third
quarter and never looked back.
Tim Duncan led the way with 26 points and 10 rebounds while Manu Ginobili
chipped in 22 points in San Antonio's 15th straight win dating back to the
regular season, which included an opening-round sweep of the Utah Jazz.
The Clippers, two days removed from a Game 7 win in Memphis, were led by Eric
Bledsoe's 23 points. Caron Butler and Blake Griffin each chipped in 15, while
Chris Paul netted just six on 3-of-13 shooting.
Los Angeles ended a 17-game losing streak in San Antonio back in March, but
Duncan, Ginobili and Tony Parker sat out that setback with their eyes set on a
postseason run.
Despite an off-shooting night from Parker, who made just one field goal, the
Spurs looked poised at another title run by hitting 13-of-25 from behind the
arc and owning a 47-34 rebounding advantage.
Game 2 of the series will be in San Antonio on Thursday.
The Sports Network