The first-round series between the Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs have been one more the better highlights in the NBA Playoffs. It seems fitting that it would go to a Game 7 on the same day as the biggest boxing match in the last decade, the NHL Playoffs and the Kentucky Derby. The Spurs and Clippers have each won twice on the road while the Spurs continue to be the better all-around team. Now they must win on the road once again as Game 7 heads back to the Staples Center.
The Spurs are defending a legacy. With five championships, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are looking to get one more before retirement falls into the question. Duncan denied the idea there was lingering pressure to win, believing the Spurs have already cemented their place in history. The Clippers do not have that luxury. The team has a lot to lose if they do not win Game 7 as it will be another playoff disappoint on the resume of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. The team has yet to get to the second round since those two have beeb together. Getting the game on home floor only adds to the pressure.
"They are a great team, in every sense of the word," Griffin said, via ESPN.com. "I don't think you can look at a team over the past 20 years or so that has been better. Duncan is a great player and one of the best players of all-time. They have been in this situation. They went into a Game 7 with Dallas last year in the first round and they ended up winning the whole thing. They have been in this situation and they know not to panic."
The Spurs have been dominating on defense especially on the inside which has the Clippers struggling. 3-point shooting will be key in Game 7, something they are not going well. The team shot just 29.3 percent from long range while going 4 for 18 in Game 6. Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green have been thriving on the outside. The Spurs will continue to shoot from down low with Duncan and Leonard. They have the experience to get the win.
