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*Photo via USA Today
Game Four: Los Angeles Clippers at San Antonio Spurs
The Los Angeles Clippers responded to the San Antonio Spurs, and won game four, 114-105. This was a big win for the Clippers, no teams wants to fall down three games to one.
The Clippers starts stepped up, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin combined for 54 points, 22 rebounds and 14 assist. That was just between the two of them.
The Spurs were close most of the game, and within striking distance. Mostly thanks to Kawhi Leonard, who had another big game, 26 points, seven rebounds, and five assist. Still this wasn't enough to overcome their poor shooting from behind the arc (24 percent from three) .
This game had an interesting start, the Clippers took an early six nothing lead. Then coach Popovich took a time-out , and the Spurs responded with an eight nothing run of their own. The quarter finished with the two teams tied at 25-25.
The second quarter didn’t really see one team jump out to a big lead. The Clippers did have Austin Rivers heat up though. A reason they finished the half up four points.
The second half started with the two teams going back and forth. Ultimately the Clippers started to pull away toward the second part of the third quarter. Mainly because Chris Paul put up 12 points in the third and was a force.
The Clippers maintained the lead the rest of the way, the Spurs made their runs at the deficit, but they never saw it get under five. The Clippers responded to every Spurs blow, and came away with the win.
Player of the Game:Chris Paul gave the Clippers exactly what they needed. A big performance from their leader, putting up 34 points and handing out seven assist.
Dud of the Game: Danny Green did not hit one shot in six attempts, and this is in 28 minutes of playing time. No need to explain this one.
Stat of the Game: The Spurs did not outscore the Clippers in any quarter of this game.
This series is looking like it’s going to go seven games. No one is complaining either, these teams have played some great basketball.
The Spurs will need to find a way to limit Chris Paul and Blake Griffin if they want to win. They also can’t afford to shoot that poorly from three with DeAndre Jordan roaming the paint. The Spurs just need to play Spurs basketball and do the little things.
The Clippers need to play with this type of energy the rest of the series. Blake and Jordan need to dominate the paint on both sides of the ball. Chris Paul will also have to continue to do his thing, he is the key component for the Clippers’ success.
Every game is important at this point, look for both teams to lay it all. Enjoy the basketball.
Game five will be Tuesday on TNT (time tbd)