The Clippers are only down four, even up against a strong performance Spurs team that is resolute as usual in this potential series closer.
The Spurs had an early 12-point run and the game looked like it would be another laugher as the Spurs opened up a double-digit lead with all of their out-of-the-middle-of-nowhere bench players - Tiago Splitter, Danny Green, Gary Neal, et. al. - putting in meaningful contributions. However, the Clips' best players are coming through - seven and five for Chris Paul - and managed to make the game doable by the half.
What stands out to me is just how the Spurs manage to always live up to their Spursian stereotype: they just take everything so unbelievably seriously. Up ten in the first quarter of a series which they lead 3-0, Gregg Popovich ordered his players to foul DeAndre Jordan off the ball to make him shoot free throws - the Hack-a-Shaq reimagined, an old Pop trick. It didn't exactly work - Jordan went 2-for-4, which is a pretty average per-possession result - but the point is, this team plays every minute like it's of utmost importance. Although it's only four points, it'll take a gargantuan effort for the Clippers to extend this series another game.
For more on the Spurs, be sure to visit Pounding the Rock. The best Clippers coverage on the web can be found at Clips Nation. And, if you're looking for news, analysis and everything else revolving around the NBA Playoffs, be sure to visit SB Nation's NBA page.
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