NBA Playoffs, Clippers-Spurs Game 2: The 5 Key Matchups
By Tom West
Apr 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) grabs a rebound over Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and center DeAndre Jordan (6) during the third quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
This series could quickly become the best of the 2015 NBA playoffs so far. The Los Angeles Clippers dominated game one, so it only seems inevitable that San Antonio bounce back tonight in true Spurs fashion, right?
Well, after glaring mismatches such as the trilogy of epic dunks that Blake Griffin and Aron Baynes created, the Clippers blew the Spurs out of the water. Add on the stellar performance of Chris Paul, the hot shooting of Jamal Crawford and the imposing defense of DeAndre Jordan, and you have a more convincing game one win than anyone could have expected.
But whether that can continue is a whole different story.
The Clippers’ field goal percentage was 15 percent higher than the Spurs, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker combined for only 21 points on 8-of-21 shooting, and San Antonio made just 10 of 33 three pointers.
Those aren’t trends that will continue, though, and if you can count on anyone to turn a team around over night, it’s Gregg Popovich.
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The Spurs may have been lacking in energy and signs of championship quality in game one, but that won’t last. Even though the Clippers’ starters were at the top of their form, lacking depth is just one reason why Sunday night may very well have been the only time we’ll see L.A. win quite that easily this series.
However, game one anomalies aside, the Clippers did emphasize their strengths Sunday night. And most importantly, they proved that they do have a chance in this series, despite being regarded as underdogs by everyone.
With game two just hours away, here are the five matchups to focus on that could determine who advances to the second round.