NBA Basketball Matchup: Clippers vs Spurs Game 2
I suppose it could be said that the fact that the Los Angeles Clippers made the playoffs and won a round is a fine accomplishment for a franchise without much history of success…but at least go out with your pants on.
Los Angeles Clippers (0-1) vs San Antonio Spurs (1-0)
Thursday May 17
Alamodome – San Antonio TX
9:30PM
Moneyline: San Antonio -940, Los Angeles +685
Spread: San Antonio -11
O/U: 194
Los Angeles
In the opening game the Clippers looked tired and unprepared as the game progressed, unable to sustain a high level of play after an frenetic first quarter.
It doesn’t look like there is much hope for them to challenge San Antonio.
The star for the Clippers in the opener was reserve guard Eric Bledsoe who led the team with 23 points.
They needed him to step up because they got almost nothing from star point guard Chris Paul who scored just 6 points. Blake Griffin wasn’t much better as the all-star duo shot a combined 10-30.
If they had played to percentages this would have actually been a game as the supporting cast performed well. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
San Antonio
The Spurs didn’t show much rust in beating the Clippers to start the series. After a week of rest creaky Tim Duncan looked spry and Manu Ginobili had his best game of the playoffs.
This is really bad news for Los Angeles and anyone else San Antonio faces in these playoffs. After game 1 it looks like the Spurs could easily be off for another week waiting for an opponent in the Western Conference finals.
The only area for concern for San Antonio was that Tony Parker struggled. He was masterful during the regular season, carrying a bigger load than what he is accustomed to.
The Spurs were efficient in all facets of the game although their turnovers might have been a problem if they hadn’t shot the ball so well.
Popovich started Boris Diaw at center and he delivered 12 rebounds and a nice all around game. Memories of Suns teams of yore.
Spread Pick: Clippers +11
O/U Pick: Over
Score Prediction: San Antonio 102 – Los Angeles 97
