NBA PLAYOFFS -- Spurs take 3-2 lead over Grizz, Rockets advance
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 26 Apr 2017
CHICAGO -- After seeing their 2-0 series lead vanish following back-to-back losses in Games 3 and 4 in Memphis, the San Antonio Spurs regained control of their best-of-seven series with a decisive Game 5 win.
Kawhi Leonard was his spectacular self, finishing with 28 points while energizer Patty Mills came off the bench with 20 as the Spurs took care of the Grizzlies, 116-103, for a 3-2 series lead,
After a close opening half, the Spurs began to distance themselves in the third period and built a 75-61 advantage. The Grizzlies closed in at 92-88 with 7:45 left in the fourth quarter but San Antonio pushed the cushion back to 114-97.
Tony Parker drilled 16 points with six assists. Manu Ginobili ended a shooting slump and contributed 10 points. He provided a lot of what Mills called "grandpa juice."
Marc Gasol and Mike Conley combined for 43 points, 13 assists and 7 rebounds to lead Memphis. But Zach Randolph was held to 9 points and 6 boards.
ROCKETS ELIMINATE THUNDER. The Houston Rockets advanced to the Western Conference semifinals following a 105-99 Game 5 win at the Toyota Center, closing out at the hotly-contested series at 4-1.
Leading MVP contender Russell Westbrook had another titanic output, 47 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists, but the Thunder again couldn't hold on to a fourth quarter lead as the Rockets outscored OKC in the final frame, 33-22.
As has been the narrative in this series, Westbrook didn't get enough help from his teammates. Jeerami Grant and Alex Abrines finished with 11 apiece while Taj Gibson and Victor Oladipo carded 10 each,
On the other hand, James Harden, who finished with 34 for Houston, got plenty of support from his fellow Rockets --- Lou Williams had 22, Patrick Beberley added 15 and 8 assists while Nene Hilario had 14. Eric Gordon and Clint Capela combined for 16 more.
The Rockets will play the winner of the Spurs-Grizzlies showdown which is currently at 3-2 with San Antonio on top. (HDS)
Patty Mills provided some of the spark the San Antonio Spurs needed to beat the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 5 of their series. Mills had 20 and San Antonio took a 3-2 series lead.
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