NBA - Spurs survive overtime scare, take 2-0 West Finals lead
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 23 May 2013
CHICAGO -- The San Antonio Spurs blew an 18-point lead with 3:32 left in the third quarter but the four-time NBA champions gathered their poise in overtime to beat the Memphis Grizzlies, 93-89, in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals Tuesday night at the AT@T Center in downtown San Antonio.
Tony Parker led the Spurs with 15 points and 18 assists but it was 37-year old Tim Duncan who came to the rescue in the extra session by scoring six straight points as San Antonio hung on for a 2-0 lead in this best-of-7 series. Games 3 and 4 moves to the FedEx Forum in Memphis beginning this Saturday night.
After coasting to a 105-83 Game 1 rout, the Spurs appeared poised for another easy romp in Game 2 when they led 83-70 with 8:11 to go. But the Spurs went cold as Siberia the rest of the way and the tough Grizzlies took advantage by finishing the fourth quarter on a 15-2 run, including four points in the final 26.7 seconds of regulation.
The Grizzlies, who shot just 33 of 97 of their shots (34 percent) and just five of 21 threes (29.4 percent), couldn't finish what would have been an epic comeback, falling in overtime, 7-4.
Duncan finished with 17 points, nine rebounds and four blocks and center Tiago Splitter added 14 markers. San Antonio's two other starters -- Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green -- also chalked double figures in points with 12 and 11 respectively. The Spurs made only 9 of 25 threes and 36 of 83 field goals overall.
Just like Game 1, where they led by as many as 17 in the opening quarter, the Spurs went to a quick 7-0 start and led by 15 at halftime. But the Grizzlies kept within striking distance by controlling the boards, 60-46, and tightening the defensive screws. Point guard Mike Conley had 18 points for Memphis while Zach Randolph, who was held to two points in Game 1, rebounded with 15 points and 18 boards.
"They ran at us. They got easy buckets. They got hot. But the second half I think we played more our basketball. We attacked, and of course everything works better when you make shots," Grizzlies center Marco Gasol, who tallied 12 points and 14 rebounds, told NBA.com. (Homer D. Sayson)
Photo: Tony Parker led the Spurs with 18 assists as San Antonio beat the Grizzlies in Game 2, 93-89, to take a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Fisher and Atencio Crowned Jax Mixed Doubles Open Champions
Sun, 21 Dec 2025Jake Paul Undergoes Surgery for Broken Jaw Following Knockout Loss to Anthony Joshua
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 21 Dec 2025Anthony Joshua Drops Jake Paul 4 Times En Route to a 6th Round Stoppage
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 20 Dec 2025Jean Henri Lhuillier Hails RP Blu Boys’ Golden Triumph at the SEA Games
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 20 Dec 2025ACCRA WEIGH-IN RESULTS: RICHARDS AND AZEEZ PREPARE FOR HISTORIC CLASH
Sat, 20 Dec 2025Two USA Boxing Junior National Champions Invited to Attend Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua Bout Friday in Miami
Sat, 20 Dec 2025Ramon Cardenas Scores One Punch Knockout Over Erik Robles in Main Event of ProBoxTV’s The Contender Series
Fri, 19 Dec 2025Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: The Jig Is Up
By Chris Carlson, Fri, 19 Dec 2025January 31: Rohan Polanco-Christian Gomez Confirmed as Co-Feature to Xander Zayas-Abass Baraou Title Unification Showdown at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan
Fri, 19 Dec 2025Jake Paul, Anthony Joshua Tip the Scales Ahead of Netflix Heavyweight Spectacle in Miami
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 19 Dec 2025Suelo rules Thailand chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 19 Dec 2025RICHARDS AND AZEEZ SET FOR HISTORIC SHOWDOWN AS SOUTH LONDON LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS FACE-OFF AT PRESS CONFERENCE IN GHANA
Fri, 19 Dec 2025Brooklyn’s undefeated Pryce Taylor Called one of top heavyweight prospects in U.S.
Fri, 19 Dec 2025INDIGO FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS AS GIORGIO VISOLI OVERCOMES TOUGH JOE HOWARTH – AND TIAH-MAI AYTON WINS AGAIN
Thu, 18 Dec 2025Weights From ProBoxTV’s ‘Merry Fistmas’ at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Tomorrow Night at 7 pm ET
Thu, 18 Dec 2025