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| Kawhi Leonard bailed out the Spurs to get the sweep. |
There was not much in the highlight department, as San Antonio shot just 41% and made just nine shots from long range. Patty Mills sparked a pull-ahead with two 3PTers on the fast break, which saw the Spurs go up by nine, enough breathing room to hold off the Blazers.
Just barely though, as Damian Lillard spun past Leonard, dunked past Biyombo and avoided Gasol's outstretched arm, slamming the ball through the net. The Blazers called timeout once Biyombo made both free throws to give San Antonio a four-point lead, then Mo Harkless (23 points) hit a 3PTer, forcing Kawhi Leonard to get the inbound, breathe deep, and make two clutch free throws. CJ McCollum missed the final attempt from deep, the shot falling short off the rim, as O'Quinn pulled down the rebound as time expired.
"By the skin of our teeth," Coach Popovich described his team's victory, and impressive sweep of the Blazers. "I liked how we won the last the three games more," he joked. "They put up one hell of a fight tonight, and they should be proud of their hard work this season. Now, our work continues..."
Damian Lillard finished with 21 points on 50% shooting, McCollum had 22 points on 50% shooting--just too late in the series, but at least they finally had a strong showing. For San Antonio, Pau Gasol came up big with 19 points. Biyombo laid claim to the glass for 17 rebounds with 4 blocks. Kawhi Leonard had 26 points, going 10/20 and 3/7 from 3PT distance. He also had 5 steals.
Patty Mills had 12 points; Jeremy Lamb the same; Kyle O'Quinn had 10 points with 7 rebounds. Dejounte Murray had 8 assists. In the loss, Portland had 15 turnovers (mostly during the early going). San Antonio lost control in the second quarter (19-31) after winning the first quarter 29-18, setting up the close finish, the final half separated by just four points.