NBA PLAYOFFS -- Spurs eliminate Rockets via 114-75 clinic sans Leonard; advance to Western Conference Finals vs Warriors
By Reylan Loberternos
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 13 May 2017
Tagbilaran City, Bohol - The San Antonio Spurs are off to the Western Conference Finals after a 114-75 thrashing of state rivals Houston Rockets in Game 6 of their best-of-seven playoff series in Houston.
Missing two former Finals MVPs in Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker to injuries earlier in the series, Gregg Popovich's wards banked on a very disciplined defense and solid teamwork to frustrate top MVP candidate James Harden and his Houston Rockets from start to finish. LaMarcus Aldridge posted a double-double with a season high 34 points and 12 boards to lead the Spurs. Five other Spurs also scored in double figures.
Jonathon Simmons filled in for Leonard in the starting lineup, hounding and frustrating James Harden who was limited to a season low 10 points on a 2 for 11 field goal shooting and 6 turnovers. Simmons lit it up for the Spurs with 18 markers on top of 4 assists and a steal.
The Spurs asserted their size advantage with a 60-37 rebounding edge throughout the game. Their ball movement was also telling with 32 assisted field goals, while the Rockets can only muster 14 of their own. Efficiency also did it for the Spurs, as they committed only 7 turnovers and shot 53% from the field.
Up next for the Spurs are the top-seeded team Golden State Warriors for the best-of-seven Western Conference Finals in a battle of this season's top two teams.
Comments are highly appreciated. You may email them to reylanloberternos@yahoo.com.ph and you may follow him on twitter @reylan_l
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Reylan Loberternos.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Andy Cruz vs Raymond Muratalla: Who Will Execute?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 24 Jan 2026Libranza to fight undefeated Tso for IBF Pan Pacific bantam
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 24 Jan 2026Filipino Cue Artist RJ Bautista Ready to Shine at the Las Vegas Open 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 24 Jan 2026MURATALLA VS. CRUZ WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER
Sat, 24 Jan 2026Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou Fight Week Events to Stream LIVE on Top Rank’s Social Media Channels
Sat, 24 Jan 2026Ballesteros not yet ready against Ocum
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 24 Jan 2026Chocolatito Gonzalez to undergo shoulder surgery
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 24 Jan 2026NM Nika finishes Sixth in Czech Republic Blitz chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 24 Jan 2026The Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo RETURNS! Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
Sat, 24 Jan 2026Donaire back in Cebu
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 23 Jan 2026MURATALLA VS. CRUZ IN LAS VEGAS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 23 Jan 2026Four Pinoys in line for title shots
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 23 Jan 2026After the meeting in Mexico City, the WBC is ready for 2026
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 23 Jan 2026Former world title challenger Jerry Belmontes Returns to ring at home after nearly a decade in Retirement on January 31 in Texas
Fri, 23 Jan 2026SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT RONNY ALVAREZ TRAINING CAMP NOTES
Thu, 22 Jan 2026