Spurs hold on for Game 2 win over Trail Blazers, lead series 2-0
Business as usual at the AT&T Center.
Powered by an explosive 41-point second quarter, the San Antonio Spurs held on for a 114-97 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday, placing themselves two wins away from a third successive appearance in the Western Conference Finals.
Kawhi Leonard, who only missed once from the field, posted a team-high 20 points, while Tony Parker and Tiago Splitter each put up a double-double.
The Spurs finished the contest having shot 53.3 percent from the field and an impressive 60.0 percent (12-of-20) from three-point territory.
Star Performer
Leonard got the Spurs off to a booming start, posting 12 points and three rebounds in the first quarter.
By the time the final buzzer sounded, he had 20 points on 8-of-9 shooting to go with five rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Oh, and he also went a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the arc, including a three-pointer that silenced the Trail Blazers' late comeback attempt.
Not bad for a 22-year-old.
Turning Point
Even when the Trail Blazers were attempting a late comeback in the second half, you just had a feeling that the Spurs had done too much damage in the second quarter for the visitors to have a chance.
The second frame saw the Spurs post a ridiculous 41 points on 25 possessions, allowing them to enter the interval with a 19-point lead.
Spurs shot 63% from the field and 71% from 3 in the 2nd. Gregg Popovich can't be happy with that 40% on FTs though. pic.twitter.com/ZtOEK8bVos
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 9, 2014
With shooting percentages like that, how did the Trail Blazers ever stand a chance?
Highlight Reel
Manu Ginobili can shoot.
Manu Ginobili can pass.
Gregg Popovich wasn't too happy when the Spurs let their lead slide.
Also, a shout out to the snake that was found in Thomas Robinson's locker before tip-off.
Quote of the Game
Boris Diaw, who posted 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting, is trying to act like the Spurs don't already have a foot in the Western Conference Finals.
“They’re going to be ready to go,” said Boris Diaw of series shifting to Portland. Said it will be difficult. #Spurs #Blazers
— Paul Garcia PS (@PaulGarciaPS) May 9, 2014
Series at a Glance
Game 1: SAS 116, POR 92 (Spurs lead 1-0)
Game 2: SAS 114 POR 97 (Spurs lead 2-0)
Game 3: Saturday, May 10, 10:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Game 4: Monday, May 12, 10:30 p.m. (TNT)
Game 5*: Wednesday, May 14, TBD (TNT)
Game 6*: Friday, May 16, TBD (ESPN)
Game 7*: Monday, May 19, TBD (TNT)