Spurs Sweep Jazz, Clippers Survive Overtime

Chris Paul Is The Difference In Clippers' Series Vs. Grizzlies

The Clippers took a commanding 3-1 lead in their first round playoff series with Memphis, on the strength of a virtuoso overtime performance from Chris Paul. Paul is, plain and simple, the difference in the series.

NBA Playoffs 2012 Scores And More: Spurs Wrap Up Series, Clippers Outlast Grizzlies In Overtime

The 2012 NBA Playoffs saw their second participant advance to the second round on Monday night. Fortunately for fans of competitive basketball, entertaining basketball broke out in the nightcap.

The San Antonio Spurs easily finished their sweep of the Utah Jazz on Monday evening, picking up an 87-81 victory to take the fourth and final game of the series. The Spurs didn't need to play anyone more than 28 minutes in the game, getting their stud players some rest in the game.

Manu Ginobili come off the bench to be San Antonio's leading scorer with 17 points in the contest while Tim Duncan and Tony Parker added 11 apiece in abbreviated efforts. The Jazz were led by Al Jefferson's 26 points and 10 rebounds in defeat while Paul Millsap scored 10 points to go with 19 rebounds, though his 4-of-17 performance from the field wasn't anything to write home about.

In the second game of the night, the Los Angeles Clippers outlasted the Memphis Grizzlies to pick up an overtime victory, putting the series firmly in their possession with a 3-1 lead. Los Angeles looked like it was going to cruise to a victory after putting together a nice run in the fourth quarter, but Rudy Gay and the Grizzlies answered with a run of their own to force overtime.

Chris Paul was exceptional in leading the Clippers, notching a near triple-double with 27 points, nine rebounds and seven assists while turning the ball over just twice. Blake Griffin wasn't bad either, of course, considering he notched 30 points before fouling out. On the other end of the spectrum, Mike Conley led the Grizzlies with 25 points and eight assists while Gay notched 22 points in the losing effort.

For more on the NBA's postseason, be sure to check out SB Nation's dedicated hub.

Let There Be No Doubt: The Spurs Are The NBA Title Favorites

In sweeping the up-and-coming Utah Jazz, the San Antonio Spurs left no doubt that they are the favorites to win the NBA title.

VIDEO: Kenyon Martin Yells 'Goddammit' After Vinny Del Negro Calls Unnecessary Timeout

Armed with a two-point lead with less than 10 seconds left in Game 4 against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Los Angeles Clippers looked to have inbounded the ball to Mo Williams in the backcourt for the foul. Problem is, coach Vinny Del Negro pulled a Vinny Del Negro and called a late timeout, for some reason. Maybe he thought you only get two seconds to inbound the ball. Maybe he just wanted to add to the intrigue.

In any event, it frustrated his players. Witness Kenyon Martin screaming in the background of this video.

As it turns out, the Clippers inbounded the ball to Williams again after the timeout and he hit the game-sealing free-throws, but this was a classic Vinny Del Negro moment that ultimately was more amusing than damaging.

For all news and information regarding the Memphis Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver. For updates and perspective on the Los Angeles Clippers, head on over to Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Clippers Vs. Grizzlies, NBA Playoffs 2012 Game 4: Los Angeles Wins In Overtime, 101-97

The Los Angeles Clippers took a 3-1 lead in their first-round series with the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, thrilling the Staples Center crowd with a 101-97 overtime victory.

The Clippers took a six-point lead into halftime, but the Grizzlies battled back, attempting to even up the series. Memphis reeled off an 11-1 run late in the fourth quarter to help them tie the game, 87-87, sending the game into overtime.

Chris Paul had a chance to win the game at the buzzer but was unable to get a shot off. He made up for it, though, with eight points in overtime. The Clippers went up 99-93 with just under 45 seconds left in the extra period, but the Grizzlies wouldn't quit, cutting the deficit to two points with eight seconds left in the game. Mo Williams was fouled and sank both of his free throws to go up 101-97 with 7.2 remaining. A three-point attempt by Rudy Gay didn't fall, and the Clippers grabbed the rebound to end the game.

Blake Griffin led all scorers in the game with 30 points, but Paul was close behind with 27 points and nine rebounds.

For all news and information regarding the Memphis Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver. For updates and perspective on the Los Angeles Clippers, head on over to Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

GIF: Fan Takes Photo Of Chris Paul's Good Side

Clippers Vs. Grizzlies, NBA Playoffs 2012 Game 4: Game Heads To OT Tied 87-87

On Monday night, the Los Angeles Clippers hosted the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 4 of their opening-round series in the 2012 NBA Playoffs. At the end of regulation, the game is headed to overtime tied at 87-87.

The Clippers entered halftime leading by a score of 51-45 but the Grizzlies refused to curl up and die. Memphis tied things up in the last minute of the game, thanks to an 11-1 run, but the Clips went ahead by two with 26 seconds remaining in regulation.

Zach Randolph was fouled under the basket with 20.4 seconds left in the game and sank both free throws to tie things up again, 87-87. Chris Paul got the ball in the Clippers' last possession but was unable to get a shot off.

For all news and information regarding the Memphis Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver. For updates and perspective on the Los Angeles Clippers, head on over to Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

GIF: Chris Paul Flops On A Referee

Before getting mad at Blake Griffin for all his flopping, understand that he's learning from the master, Chris Paul. Look at how he even flops on people that aren't on the other team.

That's seriously impressive flop work right there. Teach me your ways, CP3.

Chris Webber, Jarrett Jack Both Tired Of Blake Griffin's Flopping Act

Many think Blake Griffin flops too much. When he flailed his body after one foul call, he inspired TNT analyst Chris Webber to go on a rant about how Griffin needs to maintain credibility with officials and stop flopping. Of course, Webber's frontcourt partner for many years was Vlade Divac, so this is like the pot calling the kettle black.

However, Jarrett Jack of the New Orleans Hornets seems like a neutral enough observer to trust here. Here's his thought on Griffin flopping.

Hey @nba refs stop falling for Blake flopping

— Jarrett Jack (@Jarrettjack03) May 8, 2012

GIF: Shaquille O'Neal Laughs Like He's Never Laughed Before

This photoshop of Charles Barkley as an obese San Antonio woman is funny, in a juvenile sort of way, but I don't think it is this funny. Shaquille O'Neal and I obviously have different taste in humor.

UPDATE: I'm told he was laughing more at something Barkley said about San Antonio. Either way, I don't think it was that funny. Giggle away, Shaq.

GIF: Zach Randolph Messes With Blake Griffin

There are so many ways to interpret Zach Randolph bumping Blake Griffin like this. We're going to help you find the right conclusion.

1. Randolph is trying to get into Griffin's head.

2. Griffin's aggressiveness is getting into Randolph's head.

3. Randolph's frustration about being only 75 percent of himself health-wise is starting to affect his on-court temperament.

4. Randolph saw someone spitting in Griffin's direction and volunteered to block his path.

I'll go with some of No. 2 and some of No. 3. What's your explanation?

GIF: The Most Grizzlies Sequence Ever

This is how the Memphis Grizzlies' frontcourt plays defense. Not surprising.

VIDEO: Eric Bledsoe Blocks Marreese Speights

That's a boring headline. Let's try again. Here's Eric Bledsoe, a six-foot point guard, blocking Marreese Speights, a 6'10'' big man, driving to the basket.

Try as I might, I can't make this sound awesome. I guess you'll just have to see it for yourself.

We talked earlier Monday night about how awesome it is to watch point guards block shots, but not all point guard blocks are created equally. As impressive as Devin Harris' was earlier, he was running at full speed and was jumping with nobody around him. Bledsoe was moving backwards and still managed to block a guy 10 inches taller than him. Unbelievable play.

For all news and information regarding the Memphis Grizzlies, please visit Straight Outta Vancouver. For updates and perspective on the Los Angeles Clippers, head on over to Clips Nation or check out SB Nation Los Angeles. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

This Is The Perfect Series For Reggie Evans

Why is Reggie Evans having such a strong series against the Memphis Grizzlies? Because Memphis is the perfect opponent for him. The Grizzlies are what I like to call a “free-throw line and down” team, which is a fancy way of saying their identity is as a physical team inside. Their offense either runs through the post or baseline screens, and their defense funnels everyone into those bigs.

Under those circumstances, a guy like Evans is huge because of the way he gets physical. If the Clippers advance to face the Spurs, though, don’t expect to see Evans play as effectively.

VIDEO: Lionel Hollins Says Chris Paul 'Does A Good Job Of Flopping'

Here’s Memphis Grizzlies’ coach Lionel Hollins’ response to why he had Tony Allen guarding Chris Paul instead of Mike Conley:

"Well, we wanted to save Mike a couple fouls, because Chris does a good job of flopping."

He paused for a second, then added, "Drawing fouls." Nice save, Lionel. Here's video.

Chris Webber On Reggie Evans

Here’s TNT announcer Chris Webber on Reggie Evans, the Clippers player who he calls the “dirtiest player in the league.”

“[When I played], I had to give a lot of money to NBA Cares because of him.”

So, basically, Reggie Evans is a philanthropist.

VIDEO: DeAndre Jordan Flies Into Lob City

I continue to believe that the more fearsome #LobCity dunks involve Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan, rather than more well-known power forward Blake Griffin. Obviously, Griffin's dunks are great, but something about a seven-foot center gliding through the air like Jordan seems harder to comprehend.

My rant aside, here's Jordan finishing a Chris Paul lob on the fast break early in Game 4 against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Reminder: Caron Butler Has A Broken Hand

A reminder: Caron Butler, also known as the guy who has 11 of the Clippers' 26 points, is playing with this on his left hand because IT'S FRACTURED.

Jazz Vs. Spurs, NBA Playoffs 2012 Game 4: Spurs Win 87-81, Sweep Jazz

The San Antonio Spurs completed their sweep of the Utah Jazz with an 87-81 win in Game 4.

The Spurs were led by Manu Ginobili, who scored a team-high 17 points in 27 minutes off the bench. Four other Spurs players scored in double figures with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Gary Neal finishing with 11 points while Tiago Splitter chipped in 10 points off the bench.

Al Jefferson scored a game-high 26 points, while Paul Millsap and Derrick Favors posted double-doubles in the losing effort. Millsap scored 10 points to go along with his 19 rebounds, and Favors finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Gordon Hayward, who didn't score, was the only Jazz starter to not finish in double-figure scoring.

The Spurs move on to the Western Conference Semifinals where they await the winner of the series between the Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies.

For all news and information regarding the San Antonio Spurs, please visit Pounding the Rock. For updates and perspective on the Utah Jazz, head on over to SLC Dunk. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

GIF: Marc Gasol's Soccer Defense Shockingly Fails

I'm not sure how Marc Gasol planned to stop a Clippers fast break this way, but I admire that he even thought to try.

Caron Butler Just Dunked With His Right Hand

Guess he does need his hands after all.

Mike Conley Is Being Aggressive Early

In an attempt to rectify what happened at the end of Game 3, Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley is starting to attack Chris Paul off the dribble. He got an easy layup once and set up Zach Randolph for a dunk another time. If Conley keeps trying to attack Chris Paul instead of being content to just be another guy, maybe Paul won’t dominate crunch time quite as thoroughly.

Maybe.

VIDEO: The Crazy Sequence That Ended The Jazz's Season

Against all odds, the Utah Jazz embarked on a furious rally in an attempt to keep their season alive in the fourth quarter of Game 4 of their 2012 NBA Playoffs first-round series against the San Antonio Spurs. Down 21 points with just over six minutes left, the Jazz went on a 19-2 run, cutting the Spurs' lead to four with 49 seconds left. What followed was a particularly depressing way to end a run.

Here's video of the whole sequence.

First, the Jazz play awful defense, but catch a huuuuuuuugge break when Tony Parker's wide-open layup somehow doesn't fall. Then, the Jazz race the ball back up the court and have an opening for a Devin Harris three-pointer. The problem? Paul Millsap's pass is deflected away, and Manu Ginobili escapes with an uncontested layup to seal the series.

The Jazz have nothing to be ashamed of for their season. That ending just really hurts.

Nice Comeback, Jazz

Even if this feels like it's too little, too late, this is impressive stuff.

#Spurs led 81-60 after Neal 3 with 6:16 to go. #UtahJazz on 15-2 run in elimination game.

— Brian T. Smith (@tribjazz) May 8, 2012

GIF: Gregg Popovich (Probably) Ponders Putting Starters Back In

Under four minutes remain, and Tim Duncan and Tony Parker have only now come back in. I’d like to imagine Gregg Popovich was thinking about whether to actually get them back into the game in this GIF.

The Jazz Have Missed Their Last 15 Shots

This is what happens when you have poor guard play and no good frontcourt perimeter shooters.

Nice season, Jazz.

POLL: Manu Ginobili Vs. James Harden, Right Now

Manu Ginobili or James Harden? Who would you rather have right now?

Spurs Do The Smart Thing, Go Small, Space Floor

The Jazz made a nice little run to get back into this Game 4 against the Spurs, but the Spurs held it off and pushed the game back to double digits by spreading the floor and being themselves. They now lead by 10 points entering the fourth quarter, and their unique lineup of Manu Ginobili, Gary Neal, Stephen Jackson, Matt Bonner and Tiago Splitter did the job.

The Spurs have played that lineup a few times during the regular season, and it always seems to work. Ginobili and Neal are good enough to share the playmaking role, Splitter runs pick and roll very well and Bonner and Jackson provide three-point shooting. It’s a lineup that scored an average of 120 points per 100 possessions this season, and you can see why. Unless you have an elite defender on Ginobili, you can’t stop it.

Let’s just say Alec Burks and Al Jefferson had no chance guarding those guys.

It's Fun To See Devin Harris Doing This Again

Devin Harris was once one of the league’s up-and-coming point guards, but a trade to New Jersey, followed by a trade to Utah, caused him to fall off the map. Lately, though, he’s shown flashes of being the same player he once was, and he’s brought the Jazz back into this Game 4 against the Spurs with nifty moves like this one.

Click here to watch the GIF.

Here's Al Jefferson Playing Horrible Pick And Roll Defense

I hate to pick on a guy who seems nice enough, but this is why the Spurs have gotten whatever they wanted offensively all series. Al Jefferson, feel free to get your feet out of the quicksand here.

The Jazz are hanging tough, but they simply need more than this.

VIDEO: Devin Harris Shows Why Point Guard Blocked Shots Are Great

Point guards aren't supposed to do what Devin Harris did to Tony Parker on the fast break here, so when it happens, it's always worth noting. Harris hustled back to contest Parker's layup, caught him from behind, then turned his hand to the outside to block the shot away from the rim. Nifty play.

Tim Duncan Just Tied Shaquille O'Neal For Third-Most Playoff Blocked Shots

Word is, Shaq’s plan to respond is to post up Duncan in a suit and ask him how his tie tastes.

Here's the play that did it, by the way. Typical Duncan block right here: not spectacular, but very effective and he still kept the ball inbounds.

Derrick Favors Is Still Guarding Tim Duncan

This despite the fact that it means Al Jefferson must guard Boris Diaw, a more perimeter-oriented player, instead of DeJuan Blair. This should be an interesting trend to watch. I can’t remember the last time Jefferson played passable perimeter defense.

PHOTO: Nick Young's Game 4 Outfit Is So Nick Young

GIFs: Spinning Charles Barkley And Kenny Smith Heads May Give You Seizures

Watch these two GIFs at your own peril.

It's almost better not to know the context behind these.

PHOTO: Devin Harris Probably Should Have Passed Out Here

Someone has to be open.

Instead, he barreled into the crowd and somehow drew a foul (see GIF here). Shows how much I know.

Matt Devlin Just Said DeJuan Blair Is Playing 'Healthy Minutes'

A subtle dig at Blair's frame? Or ... an acknowledgement that it's possible to play unhealthy minutes? You be the judge.

GIF: Ty Corbin Is Out Of Answers

The Spurs are beating the Jazz by double digits despite not getting much of anything from Manu Ginobili or Tony Parker. If you're a Jazz fan, you're probably not sure how this is happening. If you're Jazz coach Ty Corbin ... you also have no clue how this is happening.

Derrick Favors Is Guarding Tim Duncan Now

As you may have noticed, the Utah Jazz have finally put defensive maestro Derrick Favors on Tim Duncan. This was made possible because the Spurs are playing DeJuan Blair instead of Matt Bonner or Boris Diaw, which has allowed Al Jefferson to guard an interior player instead of a perimeter guy.

The advantage of Favors guarding Duncan isn’t in the post, though. It’s more in the pick and roll, where Duncan does most of his damage. Favors is an excellent pick and roll defender. Jefferson is … well, he’s there, I guess, and he doesn’t intentionally play bad defense. But … yeah.

If The Jazz Lose This Game, This Is What Al Jefferson Should Tell Reporters

The Jazz are down double-digits to the Spurs in the second quarter of Game 4, which brings these words by Al Jefferson after Game 3 into focus. Here's a meme circling around Twitter right now that seems relevant.

Al Jefferson after this game -- "told y'all."

— Nick Flynt (@NickFlynt) May 8, 2012

The Spurs' Bench Is Really Good

Not exactly a brilliant point, I know, but that’s why they’re suddenly up 10 points again.

Caron Butler Says He Doesn't Need Any Hands To Succeed

Caron Butler will once again play through the fractured hand he suffered in Game 1 of the Clippers’ first-round NBA Playoffs series against the Memphis Grizzlies. To defend his bold decision to play through a ton of pain, Butler said he doesn’t need his hands anyway.

"The role that I’m playing right now, what I’m doing, I can play with no hands," Butler said. "It’s not a big deal. I can play."

Butler isn’t Air Bud, last I checked, so his statement isn’t literally correct. THAT SAID, there have to be some players in the league that would survive playing without their hands better than others. Who would those players be? Is Butler one of them?

Let us know.

VIDEO: Derrick Favors Erases Tiago Splitter's Weak Layup Attempt

Come on, Tiago Splitter. When you're taking a layup and Derrick Favors is protecting the rim, you have to go up stronger than this.

Splitter tried to float in a layup from very far away from the rim. Favors' block looked pretty nice, but this was also one of the easiest he'll ever get.

For all news and information regarding the San Antonio Spurs, please visit Pounding the Rock. For updates and perspective on the Utah Jazz, head on over to SLC Dunk. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

POLL: How Good Will Derrick Favors Be In 5 Years?

How good can Derrick Favors be?

Spurs Vs. Jazz: Utah's Big Lineup Starts Working Again

So, hey, the Jazz’s big lineup is starting to work again. Utah fell behind, 11-4, but now leads by one after a Spurs timeout midway through the first quarter.

One thing not mentioned before: the Jazz’s big lineup is an elite defensive unit. During the season, they held teams to just over 80 points per 100 possessions when in the game. It’s a limited sample, but with Derrick Favors protecting the rim, it makes sense. The lineup just wasn’t defending at the level it did during the regular season in this series.

When the Jazz defend, they run, especially at home. That’s kind of what is happening now, and it’s exactly why Utah’s back in the game.

Spurs Vs. Jazz: Why Utah's Big Lineup Isn't Working

It's early, but the San Antonio Spurs are out to a quick start against the Utah Jazz in Game 4 of their 2012 NBA Playoffs first-round series. This is happening despite the Jazz going big and starting Paul Millsap, Derrick Favors and Al Jefferson together, a lineup that did a lot of damage late in the season.

But once again, the Spurs are tearing this lineup to shreds. Why? Spacing. San Antonio has resisted the temptation to match up, sticking with Boris Diaw at power forward. By keeping true to who they are, the Spurs are able to get wide-open looks by spacing the floor off the pick and roll. Meanwhile, on the other end, the Jazz aren't getting good enough open looks off their motion because San Antonio is packing the paint.

The Jazz's unique lineup worked during the regular season because they forced other teams to match up to them. The Spurs are consistently declining, and it's the key to their success.

GIF: Shaquille O'Neal Posts Up Charles Barkley

Al Jefferson Now Thinks The Jazz Can Beat The Spurs

Al Jefferson is new to this NBA Playoffs thing, so in a way, it's not too surprising that he slipped up a bit when asked if anyone could have beaten the San Antonio Spurs after Game 3. Here's Jefferson's comment, in case you missed it.

"I just think we’re playing against a team that is at its peak," Jefferson said. "I don’t see nobody beating them."

The series wasn't actually over yet, so this certainly deviated from the script. Luckily for Jefferson, he was given the chance to clarify a bit before Monday's Game 4.

Best Jefferson's been since playoffs started. Eye contact entire time. Spoke freely. Said he took inspiration from New York beating Miami.

— Brian T. Smith (@tribjazz) May 7, 2012

Jefferson continued to say Spurs are a great team. But he doesn't think Utah's played its best ball yet and hopes it's still to come.

— Brian T. Smith (@tribjazz) May 7, 2012

I personally find it hard to get mad at Jefferson for speaking what was on his mind at the time, but I'm also not a Jazz fan. Was he out of line to bury his own team after Game 3? Let us know in the comments.

For all news and information regarding the San Antonio Spurs, please visit Pounding the Rock. For updates and perspective on the Utah Jazz, head on over to SLC Dunk. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

POLL: Will Utah Jazz's Lineup Change Make A Difference In Game 4?

As noted here, the Utah Jazz will change their starting lineup before Game 4 of their 2012 NBA Playoffs first-round series against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night. Coach Ty Corbin will start all three of Paul Millsap, Derrick Favors and Al Jefferson along the frontline, uniting a lineup that was key in the team's late-season turnaround, but hasn't done much in this series thus far.

It's clearly desperation time for Corbin's Jazz, down 3-0 in the series. Here's our first question of the night: will this lineup change make any sort of difference, or are the Spurs pretty much destined to win going away no matter who the Jazz put on the floor? Let us know in the comments.

For all news and information regarding the San Antonio Spurs, please visit Pounding the Rock. For updates and perspective on the Utah Jazz, head on over to SLC Dunk. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

Spurs Vs. Jazz, NBA Playoffs 2012: Utah To Switch Starting Lineup

Facing elimination, the Utah Jazz will change their starting lineup before Game 4 of their 2012 NBA Playoffs first-round series against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night. Coach Ty Corbin told reporters that he will move promising young forward Derrick Favors into the starting lineup and take veteran small forward Josh Howard out. Via Brian T. Smith of the Salt Lake Tribune.

Utah coach Tyrone Corbin said he plans to start a big lineup featuring Paul Millsap, Derrick Favors and Al Jefferson during Game 4 against San Antonio.

Devin Harris and Gordon Hayward will round out the Jazz's first five.

Favors, Jefferson and Millsap fared well playing at the same time down the stretch of the regular season as the Jazz pushed into the playoffs, but have been less effective in this series. Nevertheless, Corbin is looking to get his three best frontcourt players on the court at the same time, even if none play the traditional small forward position.

For all news and information regarding the San Antonio Spurs, please visit Pounding the Rock. For updates and perspective on the Utah Jazz, head on over to SLC Dunk. For complete coverage of the 2012 NBA playoffs, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Spurs Can Sweep Jazz Before Entertaining Clippers-Grizzlies Series Continues

The 2012 NBA Playoffs picture got a bit clearer over the weekend, but Monday night's schedule will shed even more light on the second round matchups. The slate of games is rather light with just two games on the menu, but both should be entertaining and the postseason rolls on.

The first game of the evening tips off at 8 p.m. ET on TNT, as the San Antonio Spurs attempt to complete the sweep of the Utah Jazz on the road in lovely Salt Lake City. The Jazz haven't exactly made it a compelling series to watch thus far. Monday night's added do-or-die element should spice things up as the veteran Spurs team attempts to exert as little effort as possible while trying to advance ... and then rest between rounds.

The only other game on the NBA slate to open the week is Game 4 between the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers-Grizzlies series has been the most entertaining of the first round and Monday night should be no different when Game 4 tips off at 10:30 p.m. on TNT.

For more on the playoffs, be sure to stay tuned to SB Nation's NBA page.

Clippers Vs. Grizzlies: The Only Competitive First-Round Playoff Series

In a playoff season that has featured far too many blowouts and few competitive series, the Clippers and Grizzlies are engaged in an exciting struggle between two evenly-matched teams.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Clippers Vs. Grizzlies Game 4: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Clippers can take a 3-1 series lead over the Grizzlies on Monday night with a Game 4 win in front of a friendly Staples Center crowd.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Jazz Vs. Spurs Game 4: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The San Antonio Spurs will try to finish off the Jazz and advance to the second round with a win in Game 4 Monday night.