Spurs Defeat Grizzlies, 116-103, Take 3-2 Series Lead

The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 116-103, in Game 5 of the
Western Conference first-round playoffs at AT&T Center on Tuesday. This final
scoreline is unfair to Memphis, as it was much closer than the 13-point margin
would indicate. In fact, San Antonio went on a 13-0 run with five minutes left
to eventually pull away and win. The Spurs offense was unstoppable, as they shot
53 percent from the field, 50 percent from three-point range and 81 percent from
the free-throw line. Bench production was also key for San Antonio, as they
outscored the Memphis bench, 46-30. While the Spurs didn’t dominate any
particular stat, they won nearly every category, leading in shooting, rebounds,
assists, blocks, turnovers, fastbreak points and points in the paint. The
Grizzlies (2-3) have struggled in San Antonio throughout the season, as they are
now 0-5 in AT&T Center this season. Mike Conley was a bright spot, as he tallied
26 points, two rebounds, six assists and four steals. Marc Gasol finished with
17 points, five rebounds and seven assists. JaMychal Green led the bench with 11
points and three rebounds. Vince Carter accumulated 10 points, five rebounds and
three assists. The Spurs (3-2) are now just one win away from a second-round
berth, as they have two opportunities to achieve that goal. Kawhi Leonard led
the way once again, as he collected 28 points and six assists. Patty Mills was
huge off the bench, as he dropped 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting in just 21
minutes. Tony Parker accrued 16 points, two rebounds and six assists. David Lee
got a rare start and totaled 11 points and eight rebounds. LaMarcus Aldridge
amassed 12 points and nine rebounds. Game 6 will be back in Memphis on Thursday.
The home team has won all nine games between these teams this season.