I suppose it could be said that the fact that the Los Angeles Clippers made the playoffs and won a round is a fine accomplishment for a franchise without much history of success…but at least go out with your pants on. \u00a0 <\/p>\n
Los Angeles Clippers (0-1) vs San Antonio Spurs (1-0) Matchup<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Preview<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Los Angeles<\/strong><\/p>\n In the opening game the Clippers looked tired and unprepared as the game progressed, unable to sustain a high level of play after an frenetic first quarter.<\/p>\n It doesn\u2019t look like there is much hope for them to challenge San Antonio.<\/p>\n The star for the Clippers in the opener was reserve guard Eric Bledsoe who led the team with 23 points.<\/p>\n They needed him to step up because they got almost nothing from star point guard Chris Paul who scored just 6 points. \u00a0Blake Griffin wasn\u2019t much better as the all-star duo shot a combined 10-30.<\/p>\n If they had played to percentages this would have actually been a game as the supporting cast performed well.\u00a0\u00a0[soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n San Antonio<\/strong><\/p>\n The Spurs didn\u2019t show much rust in beating the Clippers to start the series. \u00a0After a week of rest creaky Tim Duncan looked spry and Manu Ginobili had his best game of the playoffs.<\/p>\n This is really bad news for Los Angeles and anyone else San Antonio faces in these playoffs. \u00a0After game 1 it looks like the Spurs could easily be off for another week waiting for an opponent in the Western Conference finals.<\/p>\n The only area for concern for San Antonio was that Tony Parker struggled. \u00a0He was masterful during the regular season, carrying a bigger load than what he is accustomed to.<\/p>\n The Spurs were efficient in all facets of the game although their turnovers might have been a problem if they hadn\u2019t shot the ball so well.<\/p>\n Popovich started Boris Diaw at center and he delivered 12 rebounds and a nice all around game. \u00a0Memories of Suns teams of yore.<\/p>\n
\nThursday May 17
\nAlamodome – San Antonio TX
\n9:30PM
\nMoneyline: \u00a0San Antonio -940, Los Angeles +685
\nSpread: \u00a0San Antonio -11
\nO\/U: \u00a0194<\/strong><\/p>\n