Clippers vs.Spurs Game 1
Bruised and battered, the Los Angeles Clippers were unable to overcome the refreshed San Antonio Spurs during Tuesday night's Game 1 matchup.
San Antonio notched a 108-92 point victory behind Tony Parker's 11 assists and Boris Diaw's 12 rebounds in their first game since disposing of the Jazz eight days prior. Tim Duncan provided the core of the offensive attack with 26 points and 10 rebounds of his own. Manu Ginobili contributed 22 points.
The Clippers were not nearly as effective on offense and their opponents and showed obvious signs of wear resulting from the grueling seven game series against Memphis.
"At tipoff, I felt ready to go," said Los Angeles forward Blake Griffin. "But throughout the course of the game, I was feeling a little more fatigued a little bit quicker than normal. I'll get back in the training room, get treatment and I hope to be better next game."
Griffin's fatigue was likely accelerated by his sprained left knee; an injury which is one of many that the Clippers are currently forced to deal with. Guard Chris Paul is currently nursing a strained right hip flexor and failed to contribute more than six points. Caron Butler and Mo Williams are both playing through hand injuries.
With the stars on the mend, Los Angeles relied on guard Eric Bledsoe's 23 points to stay competitive.
Game 2 will be played on Thursday night at 9:30 EDT.
Pacers vs. Heat Game 2
After taking a loss in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Pacers snuck by the Miami Heat with a 78-75 victory on Tuesday night.
Lebron James and the Heat had put themselves in position to take a two game lead on the series after turning a double digit deficit into a second half lead. James and Dwayne Wade split a 52 point contribution (notching 28 and 24 points respectively), but it will be the shots that weren't made that will remain the story in South Beach.
Two of the three points separating Indiana and Miami at game's end could have been netted by James had he been able to connect on two free throws with under a minute left. Wade could have potentially forced overtime when he missed a layup at the 16 second mark.
With Chris Bosh out indefinitely, Miami was unable to enjoy their typical success in the rebounding column and their struggles were made more evident by the physical Pacer defense.
Game 3 will be played on Thursday night in Indiana.
