Championship Poise: San Antonio Spurs Net Big 111-107 Road Win Against Los Angeles Clippers, Grab 3-2 Series Lead

The San Antonio Spurs showed their championship poise while the Los Angeles Clippers made some questionable decisions in Game 5 of their best-of-seven series in the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs. The result was a 111-107 victory for the Texas team as veteran Tim Duncan proved that he still has lots to offer even at the ripe age of 39.

Duncan finished with 21 points including a mid-range jumper that gave the Spurs a six-point advantage, 100-94 with over four minutes to go in the game. He had an even bigger blocked shot—his only one in the game-- against Clippers athletic big man Blake Griffin with under a minute to go that preserved the lead for the Spurs, 107-105.

Duncan added 11 rebounds for another double-double in this series and 3 steals. Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard both struggled from the field to shoot a combined 10-of-31 field goals but the Spurs had enough help from other players including Boris Diaw (7 of 10 in the fourth quarter), Manu Ginobili (14 points) and Patty Mills (13 points).

The Clippers appeared to be in control in stretches of the game. They lead 27-22 at the end of the first quarter and had the slim one-point advantage at halftime, 54-53. The teams entered the final canto tied at 82-apiece.

With four seconds to go and a one-point lead for the Spurs, Griffin attempted an easy two-pointer, which appeared to be going in, but Clippers big man DeAndre Jordan put it back and was called for an offensive goaltending. The Spurs hit the crucial free throws and grabbed an offensive rebound late to hold on to crucial victory.

The Spurs are now one win away from moving on to the next round to face the Houston Rockets, which beat the Dallas Mavericks earlier in the day. Game 6 is set on Thursday in San Antonio.

To contact author of this article, email j.quizon@IBTimes.com.au.