Dec 16, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward
Blake Griffin(32) dunks the ball as San Antonio Spurs players
Cory Joseph(5),
Tim Duncan(21),
Boris Diaw(33) and
Manu Ginobili(20) watch at Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Spurs 115-92. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
(3) Los Angeles Clippers vs (6) San Antonio Spurs
Key Matchups: Chris Paul vs Tony Parker; DeAndre Jordan/Blake Griffin vs Tim Duncan/Tiago Splitter
Season Series: Tied 2-2
Spurs
We keep trying to kill the San Antonio Spurs before their time, but they just won’t die. That’s been the story with this team for about the last half decade. Nonetheless, the Spurs are back in the playoffs and are probably one of the hottest teams in the tournament.
The two key distinctive differences with these two teams is that one is deep and one is not. Ultimately, that could be the difference in the end. The Clippers have the talent to beat the Spurs, a lot of teams do, but the Spurs just keep hitting you nonstop with their endless depth, ball movement and defense.
One key aspect in this series, though, is going to be health. If Splitter is not healthy for the Spurs, and Gregg Popovich eluded to that last night, then I’m not sure how the Spurs are going to defend the Clippers’ monster frontline.
In addition, if Tony Parker can equal out the play of Chris Paul, then the Spurs will be in prime position to win this series fairly easy, especially with no one on the Clippers even remotely close to what Kawhi Leonard has been this season.
Clippers
Let’s not beat around the bush. We all know what this series means for the Clippers, but it means even more to Chris Paul.
There’s no denying his talent, heck he should be in the MVP conversation after the regular season he just completed, but the fact that he hasn’t won big in the postseason is hurting his legacy. He knows this is so, too.
Beating this San Antonio Spurs team, after what we’ve seen it be able to do over the last two-plus seasons would be huge. Paul and the Clippers believe that their playoff run this season should be an extended one. Drawing the Spurs in the first round was unfortunate, but they believe — and rightfully so — they can play with them. And they can.
The problem the Clippers will run into is whether or not they can get away with playing starters for 35-40 minutes a game. Because if they’re going to win this series, that’s just what may have to happen.
Prediction: San Antonio in 7
Next: Blazers vs Grizzlies