The San Antonio Spurs secured a hugely important 111-107 road win in Game 2 against the Los Angeles Clippers in a thrilling overtime battle on Wednesday night.
After being comprehensively beaten in the first meeting, San Antonio came out with added purpose and immediately started off on the front foot despite their rivals answering the runs with their own.
Tim Duncan was unstoppable in the first quarter and ended the game with 28 points and 11 rebounds while Patty Mills was a huge spark off the bench with 18 points which included some clutch three-pointers as well as free throws to keep the Clippers at bay down the stretch.
The general consensus was that the Spurs would make the necessary adjustments and come back to tie the series, and they didn’t disappoint as they shot the ball better while also turning up the intensity level on the defensive end.
Kawhi Leonard was also critical as he ended the game with 23 points and nine rebounds, although the form and fitness of point guard Tony Parker will remain a concern for coach Gregg Popovich as the Frenchman scored just a solitary point and left the game late on with a tight Achilles to go along with ankle and thigh knocks.
Nevertheless, Popovich will be delighted with the win despite a triple-double of 29 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists from Blake Griffin for the hosts, as DeAndre Jordan, Chris Paul and JJ Redick all played key roles in keeping the game close through to overtime.
However, it is the Spurs who have taken the first road game of the series ahead of Game 3 in San Antonio, but as expected, this is living up to its billing of being one of more entertaining first-round series’ of the playoffs.
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