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Spurs top Clippers to secure spot in finals
Source: Agencies |
May 22, 2012, Tuesday
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THE San Antonio Spurs steamrolled into the NBA Western Conference finals after a 102-99 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday gave them a clean sweep of their seven-game series.
The West's top seeds rolled to their 18 consecutive victory going back to the regular season as the Clippers fell to the same fate as the Utah Jazz in the first round, exiting the playoffs after being swept 0-4.
The Clippers, playing in the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2006, were outclassed in every department by the seasoned Spurs.
Sunday's game was tight, and San Antonio trailed by one with two and half minutes remaining, but Tony Parker answered with a pair of clutch baskets and the visiting Spurs showed the nerve that has seen them dominate the NBA over the past month.
"We needed a game like that," Parker told reporters. "That was a great game for our young guys to get some experience. At the end of the game we executed our plays and made big baskets."
Tim Duncan scored 21 and Parker finished with 17.
The Clippers' Chris Paul recorded 23 points and 11 assists, but he committed a turnover and missed a potential game-tying shot on two of his team's final possessions. Mo Williams failed to get a final desperation shot off as the Staples Center crowd fell to hush and the Clippers saw their season come to a close.
San Antonio's postseason march is in contrast to last year when they were stunned in the first round as No. 1 seeds.
It also has them positioned to make a run at their first NBA title since 2007.
"I know how good this team was last year, and we're healthier and deeper," said guard Danny Green, who finished with 14 points. "I know what we're capable of."
San Antonio will play either Oklahoma City or the Los Angeles Lakers for the Western Conference title.
The West's top seeds rolled to their 18 consecutive victory going back to the regular season as the Clippers fell to the same fate as the Utah Jazz in the first round, exiting the playoffs after being swept 0-4.
The Clippers, playing in the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2006, were outclassed in every department by the seasoned Spurs.
Sunday's game was tight, and San Antonio trailed by one with two and half minutes remaining, but Tony Parker answered with a pair of clutch baskets and the visiting Spurs showed the nerve that has seen them dominate the NBA over the past month.
"We needed a game like that," Parker told reporters. "That was a great game for our young guys to get some experience. At the end of the game we executed our plays and made big baskets."
Tim Duncan scored 21 and Parker finished with 17.
The Clippers' Chris Paul recorded 23 points and 11 assists, but he committed a turnover and missed a potential game-tying shot on two of his team's final possessions. Mo Williams failed to get a final desperation shot off as the Staples Center crowd fell to hush and the Clippers saw their season come to a close.
San Antonio's postseason march is in contrast to last year when they were stunned in the first round as No. 1 seeds.
It also has them positioned to make a run at their first NBA title since 2007.
"I know how good this team was last year, and we're healthier and deeper," said guard Danny Green, who finished with 14 points. "I know what we're capable of."
San Antonio will play either Oklahoma City or the Los Angeles Lakers for the Western Conference title.
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