NBA Playoffs: Spurs Hold On In Overtime, Take 3-0 Lead

May 25, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan (21) drives against Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) in game three of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at FedEx Forum. San Antonio defeated Memphis 104-93. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

San Antonio Spurs 104 Memphis Grizzlies 93

How San Antonio Won: The Spurs looked so lifeless in the first quarter that head coach Gregg Popovich took all five starters at the same time. Down by 16 points at the end of the opening period, San Antonio was able to hang around throughout the game mainly through their dominance in the low post. They had the edge in points in the paint, 58-42 and outscored the Grizzlies in the final three quarters and overtime, where they had an 18-7 advantage to put the game away.

Tim Duncan took over in the extra period for the second straight game, this time scoring the first five points, and the Spurs shot 7 for 9(78 percent) from the field. Duncan scored seven of his 24 points in overtime, and also grabbed 10 rebounds, while Tony Parker added five of his 26 points in the extra session. Manu Ginobili scored seven of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, and had a chance to give the Spurs the lead with 20 seconds left in regulation. With the score tied at 89, Ginobili missed a three and the rebound was grabbed by Tony Allen.

Scoring just 13 points in the first quarter on 4 of 19(21 percent) shooting while committing eight turnovers, the Spurs were able to shoot a remarkable 59 percent from the field for the rest of the game, including 78 percent in the overtime period. Popovich also made some adjustments early in the game as he decided to play small. It became effective as the Grizzlies big men couldn’t contain the spacing and pick and rolls of the Spurs’ offense.

How Memphis Lost: The Grizzlies came out and looked dominant in the opening stages, as they shot 12 for 25 from the field, and scored 11 points off 9 San Antonio turnovers. Memphis then had trouble on the defensive end as the Spurs went to a small lineup, and were able to claw their way back to into the game, and tied the game in the fourth quarter. With the score tied at 86, Mike Conley missed a runner as regulation ended that would have won the game for the Grizzlies.

Conley scored 20 points to lead Memphis, and had 5 steals, while Marc Gasol added 16 points and 14 rebounds. Zach Randolph scored 14 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, while Quincy Pondexter added 15 points off the bench.

The Grizzlies strived on free throw shooting to help them knock off the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round, but were only able to reach the charity stripe 18 times Saturday night, and made only 10. After Randolph’s layup with 4:26 left in overtime to tie the game at 88, Memphis made just 1 out of their final 5 shots.

It Was Over When: Conley made a jumper with 2 minutes left in overtime to cut the Spurs lead to 6, but a Gasol miss on the Grizzlies ensuing possession led to a three-point play by Parker to extend the lead to 9, and ultimately, sealed the win.

Quote of the Night: “I’m not worried about how old I am or whatever, whatever it may be. I’m very focused on having another opportunity to make it to a championship and try to win, that’s all.” –Tim Duncan

Box Score:

San Antonio Spurs

STARTERS

MIN

FGM-A

3PM-A

FTM-A

OREB

DREB

REB

AST

STL