SAN ANTONIO SPURS cruised into a 3-2 series lead in the NBA play-offs with a 117-89 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder last night.
Tim Duncan had a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds at the AT&T Center, seeing Spurs move ahead in the Western Conference finals. Spurs hold home-court advantage, but need a win at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City on Saturday if they are to avoid a game seven.
Such has been their home dominance, Spurs have won seven straight home play-off games by 15-plus points — the longest such streak in NBA play-off history. The series is the first conference finals since 1992 where each of the opening five games have been decided by nine or more points.
Advertisement
San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan, left, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. AP / Press Association Images
AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images
Manu Ginobili finished with 19 points, six assists and four rebounds for the winners, who had six players end up with double figures for points. Kawhi Leonard (14 points), Danny Green (14) Boris Diaw (13) and Tony Parker (12) were among them.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, who combined for 71 points in game four, were the best for the Thunder. NBA MVP Durant ended up with a game-high 25 points to go with his five rebounds and two assists.
Westbrook (21 points, seven assists and four rebounds) and Reggie Jackson (11 points) were the only others for the Thunder to shoot double figures.
A level clash was broken open in the second and third quarters, when Spurs outscored the visitors 62-42.
Afterwards Spurs coach Gregg Popovich was in typically cranky form despite the win.
Spurs ease into 3-2 lead over Thunder
SAN ANTONIO SPURS cruised into a 3-2 series lead in the NBA play-offs with a 117-89 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder last night.
Tim Duncan had a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds at the AT&T Center, seeing Spurs move ahead in the Western Conference finals. Spurs hold home-court advantage, but need a win at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City on Saturday if they are to avoid a game seven.
Such has been their home dominance, Spurs have won seven straight home play-off games by 15-plus points — the longest such streak in NBA play-off history. The series is the first conference finals since 1992 where each of the opening five games have been decided by nine or more points.
San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan, left, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images
Manu Ginobili finished with 19 points, six assists and four rebounds for the winners, who had six players end up with double figures for points. Kawhi Leonard (14 points), Danny Green (14) Boris Diaw (13) and Tony Parker (12) were among them.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, who combined for 71 points in game four, were the best for the Thunder. NBA MVP Durant ended up with a game-high 25 points to go with his five rebounds and two assists.
Westbrook (21 points, seven assists and four rebounds) and Reggie Jackson (11 points) were the only others for the Thunder to shoot double figures.
A level clash was broken open in the second and third quarters, when Spurs outscored the visitors 62-42.
Afterwards Spurs coach Gregg Popovich was in typically cranky form despite the win.
‘There has been genuine growth in the group’ – Leinster coach Matt O’Connor
Want to head along to some live sport over the long weekend?
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
ballers Basketball NBA Oklahoma City Thunder Review San Antonio Spurs