Where do you even begin with this game? Throughout the first two games of all eight series in the first round, this has seen the highest quality of basketball. Whether it was the San Antonio Spurs trying to execute their offense in Game 1 or the Los Angeles Clippers throwing a good defensive scheme at the Spurs, the first game of this series was great, even if it was a double-digit victory. Then Game 2 happened Wednesday night and blew all of the other action away.
We had the offensive adjustments in Game 2 by the Spurs and it was matched by incredible effort of the Clippers' Big Three. They even took this one to overtime so we could stay up and settle in with a little bit more basketball before tomorrow called. For a 53-minute game between two of the best teams in the NBA playing high quality defense, the 21 combined turnovers show you just how good the basketball was. The Spurs ended up coming out on top 111-107 in overtime.
Here are three things to take away from Clippers-Spurs Game 2:
1. TIM DUNCAN IS SUCH A NATIONAL TREASURE THAT NIC CAGE IS GOING TO STEAL HIM
A few years ago, I was getting asked about when we could start expecting the Spurs to stop being so effective and when Tim Duncan would finally start aging beyond his basketball skills and physical health. My answer was simple: "I've given up on giving up on the Spurs." Duncan's Game 2 against the Clippers was the perfect example of why that was such a good decision. In an age in which we find new ways to consistently keep our bodies healthy, in-shape, limber, and moving beyond traditional capabilities, Duncan has prepared himself for the rigors of the NBA season and a postseason run as well as anybody else could imagine.
The results of this care for his body has been the ability to go for 28 points on 14-of-23 shooting, 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block in 44 minutes at the age of 38 while going against arguably one of the most athletic big men in the history of the game. He's still able to carry this Spurs team through the tough battles of a series like this against the Clippers. The team fed off him like they did a decade ago when he was still in his prime.
And seriously, who can just hit shots like this as if it's nothing?
2. SO MUCH WENT RIGHT FOR THE CLIPPERS AND THEY STILL LOST THIS GAME
This isn't a devastating loss for the Clippers, but it's certainly one that will sting until the tip-off of Game 3. Think about all of the things that went in the Clippers' favor in this game. Tony Parker went down with an Achilles' tendon tightness. Manu Ginobili made a bad mental error when he fouled Matt Barnes to stop a fast break, even though he had five fouls. For the second straight game, the Spurs missed open 3-pointer after open 3-pointer. Parker also didn't make a shot in six attempts.
DeAndre Jordan had 20 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks. Blake Griffin had a phenomenal game with his first career playoff triple-double (29 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists). Chris Paul put in 21 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. J.J. Redick hit four 3-pointers in the game and Glen Davis played 11 minutes. The Clippers were somehow a plus-four in those 11 minutes.
And yet, they still had the huge Griffin turnover at the end of regulation and lost this overtime contest on their home floor. How much more could have gone their way and they still didn't get the victory? That's brutal.
3. KAWHI LEONARD MADE J.J. REDICK FALL DOWN A FLIGHT OF STAIRS
Let's celebrate one of the many highlights with Kawhi Leonard annihilating Redick on this play. Leonard started taking Redick into the post and hit him with a half-spin that left the Clippers' guard look like he was walking down a flight of stairs and forgot their was one more step. He just left him in a crumpled pile as he calmly knocked down the fade-away jumper to put the Spurs up 10.
Maybe Chris Paul can coach him through a bad fall like that and help him get back in time for the next game.
Game 3 is Friday in San Antonio. The series is tied at 1 and we all hope it goes seven.
SERIES SCHEDULE
Game 1 – Sun April 19
L.A. Clippers 107, San Antonio 92 - L.A. Clippers lead series 1-0
Game 2 – Wed April 22
San Antonio 111, L.A. Clippers 107 OT - Series tied at 1-1
Game 3 – Fri April 24
L.A. Clippers at San Antonio, 9:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Game 4 – Sun April 26
L.A. Clippers at San Antonio, 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
Game 5 * Tue April 28
San Antonio at L.A. Clippers
Game 6 * Thu April 30
L.A. Clippers at San Antonio
Game 7 * Sat May 2
San Antonio at L.A. Clippers, TBD (TNT)
