In a first-round series that could double as a Western Conference final in an average year, the 56-win Los Angeles Clippers scored the first blow against the visiting 55-win San Antonio Spurs, pulling away for a 107-92 Game 1 victory.
Turning Point
Outside of a stretch early in the second quarter, the Clippers controlled Game 1 virtually from start to finish. But it was a late third-quarter run, highlighted by a trio of Blake Griffin posters on Aron Baynes, that put the Spurs and the game away.
A 20-7 run saw the Clippers expand their lead from 59-54 with five minutes remaining in the third quarter to 79-61 with 42 seconds to play in the period, as Griffin and Chris Paul worked the pick-and-roll to perfection.
The Spurs never got closer than nine the rest of the way.
Star Performer
Griffin's 26-point, 12-rebound, six-assist, three-block, three-steal performance in 43 minutes is worthy of its own admiration and praise, but it was Paul who held the ball and the game on a string.
CP3 finished with a game-high 32 points on 65 percent (13-of-20) shooting to go with seven rebounds, six assists and two steals, dictating the game for all 38 of the minutes he logged.
Highlight Reel
Not including at least two of Griffin's three dunks on Baynes would be a crime.
Series at a Glance
Game 1: Clippers 107, Spurs 92
Game 2: Wednesday, April 22, 10:30 p.m. ET
Game 3: Friday, April 24, 9:30 p.m. ET
Game 4: Sunday, April 26, 3:30 p.m. ET
Game 5: Tuesday, April 28, TBD
Game 6: Thursday, April 30, TBD
Game 7: Saturday, May 2, TBD
