Last night the San Antonio Spurs let it be known that they are still the baddest team on the playoff block. Despite having eight days away from competition the Spurs matched the Clippers' intensity early and eventually put a strangle hold on the game following the first quarter. The Clippers looked out matched at every position and seemingly had no answer for the revived Tim Duncan in a 108-92 loss. Duncan looked as healthy as he has been in a long time. He dropped 26 and 10 on the Clippers and ran the floor all night as if he were 24 again.
Chris Paul's night didn't help the Clippers cause in game one. Paul went 3/13 shooting putting up 6 points in 38 minutes of action. Add that with a fragile Blake Griffin, who was limited to 28 minutes, after he apparently tweaked his ankle early driving to the basket and you got the Clips getting trounced on the road. Griffin still wound up one rebound shy of a double-double, but the small minutes never made him a factor in the game.
Finally, the Spurs did what they do best. They got back on defense and made the Clippers work to get transition buckets. They do this as well as any team in the league and have for years. (Next time you see the Spurs play watch how good they are at getting back on "D"). Their defense also forced Chris Paul to pass often and his teammates had to settle for long jumpers most of the night. The Spurs ran the floor when they had to as well. Danny Green and rookie Kawhi Leonard have been key additions allowing the Spurs to run. San Antonio proved in last nights win that they can play any and all styles of basketball.
The Spurs also proved that they can play with anyone, young or old. During their last title run in 2007 it was said by sports writers and broadcasters at the time, that the Spurs looked like the old guys at the gym that could school any group of young kids who challenged them. This 2011-2012 club appears to have the look of that 2007 squad.
Where do the Clippers go from here? The Clippers can do their best to re-group and rest up for game two, but it looks like they won't have a chance at stealing a game on the road, not after last night. If Griffin can some how heal up or at least be better then 80% and Paul can find his shot; then maybe just maybe the Clippers can grab a win or two at home.
The Spurs have bigger plans and the Clippers looked like a pebble in the road on their championship journey. Duncan had legs again and played as if this post season was his. If LA doesn't get right quick then this series will be over in four games giving the Spurs and Duncan more rest...not rust.
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