The San Antonio Spurs shut down the best offense in the league on Friday.
After scoring 107 points in both Games 1 and 2, the Los Angeles Clippers managed just 73 in a 100-73 Game 3 loss to San Antonio.
Leading the way for the Spurs was Kawhi Leonard, who scored a playoff career-high 32 points to lead all scorers. Leonard shot 13-of-18 from the field as he abused Clippers forward Matt Barnes on defense.
But the determinant of Game 3 was undoubtedly the Spurs' defense, which managed to hold the Clippers to their lowest scoring output of the season. The Clippers' previous season-low for points was 85, which came in their seventh game of the year.
when you realize the sixth seed ain't really a sixth seed pic.twitter.com/4l5UnErNte
— Shea Serrano (@SheaSerrano) April 25, 2015
Turning Point
The Spurs dominated right from tip-off and never trailed.
Again, it was San Antonio's air-tight defense that propelled them to the win. The Spurs set the tone right from the get-go, forcing the Clippers into five straight misses from the field to start as they jumped out to an early 11-2 lead.
The Clippers righted the ship for the rest of the half, but it went awry once again in the third quarter. Los Angeles managed just 11 points in the frame as they shot 4-of-20 from the field with six turnovers.
The key for San Antonio was their pick-and-roll defense. They contained the initial point of attack from Chris Paul by taking away driving lanes with Tim Duncan in the paint and with the Clippers' wings enduring an off night from the field, the Clippers' potent attack was rendered toothless.
Paul went on to finish with seven points, four assists and six turnovers.
Star Performer
Somehow, Kawhi Leonard keeps topping himself.
Last summer, Leonard captured Finals MVP honors after laying waste to the Miami Heat. This season, Leonard captured Defensive Player of the Year honors.
On Friday, Leonard set yet another personal best by scoring a playoff career-high 32 points. He tacked on four rebounds, three steals and two blocks for good measure. Incredibly, Leonard did his damage in just 29 minutes, and left the game while the Spurs led 85-55.
The Clippers tried throwing different looks at Leonard, but the 23-year-old forward had a counter every time, attacking off the dribble, posting-up, racing out in transition and spotting up en route to a career outing.
More importantly, Leonard was a pest on defense. He took shifts guarding each of J.J. Redick and Paul, who finished with 14 combined points on 5-of-18 shooting.
Highlight Reel
Leonard rises to the clouds to bring down the thunder:
Leonard sheds Barnes, before getting around DeAndre Jordan:
Series at a Glance
Game 1: Clippers 107, Spurs 102 (Clippers lead 1-0)
Game 2: Clippers 107, Spurs 111 (Series tied 1-1)
Game 3: Spurs 100, Clippers 73 (Spurs lead 2-1)
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
*If necessary
