For the LA Clippers this was easily their worst loss of the 2014-15 season and worst loss of the playoffs so far. There is no doubt that this is a game the Clips will want to forget and move on from sooner rather than later.
"They jumped on us" said Matt Barnes. "I think they got in out heads a little bit"
From the get go The Spurs were wide awake playing airtight defense and making shots with Kawhi Leonard on fire for most of the game. The Clippers could stop San Antonio or shake free from them and before team had a chance to gather themselves they were down by 20. The Spurs that showed up was The Spurs was the one from the 2014 finals and not the 2015 version that's been fairly inconsistent.
The Clippers finished with the top offensive rating in the lead but they were very cold in this game, they missed open shots but they also lacked ball movement which led to many contested one. It's not often that Doc Rivers blames the teams offense for losses but today was one of those rare days.
The team had hope after the first half ending it with Blake Griffin buzzer beater to keep them within striking distance but Kawhi came out in the third and just shut things down. It's clear the Clips will have to take things back to the drawing board after this one after many of the teams prime contributors couldn't get anything to go.
"I though Kawhi at the start of the third quarter changed the game, at that moment our spirit was broken" said Doc.
Blake Griffin led the way scoring with 18 points while Austin finished with 11 and Paul with 7. J.J Redick and Jamal couldn't find the range all game and when both of those players struggle winning becomes a much tougher task for the Clippers.
Chris Paul described what the Spurs did as doing "what we did in game one" and for the Clippers to win moving forward they no have to show some "resolve". Let's hope they do or this series will be over. Quickly.
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