LOS ANGELES -- The defending champions San Antonio Spurs moved a step closer to the second round of the 2015 NBA playoffs.
Tim Duncan had 21 points and 11 rebounds while Kawhi Leonard added 18 as the Spurs eged the L.A. Clippers, 111-107, on Tuesday night at Staples Center. The win lifted the sixth-seeded Spurs to a 3-2 series lead, pushing the No.3 Clips on the brink of elimination.
Game 6 is Thursday night at the AT&T Center in San Antonio.
Tied at 82-82 entering the fourth quarter, the Spurs proved steadier in the homestretch. After Clippers center DeAndre Jordan was charged with basket interference that nullified what would have been the Clippers' go-ahead basket, Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green made 3 of 4 free throws in the final four seconds of play to seal the deal for San Antonio.
Manu Ginobili finished with 14 points while Tony Parker and Patty Mills each had 13 for the Spurs, who shot 44.4 percent from the field and 47.4 percent from 3-point range.
Blake Griffin of Los Angeles came 3 assists shy of a triple double with 30 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists. DeAndre Jordan had 21 points and 14 boards while Chris Paul submitted 19 markers and 10 dimes.
The Clippers shot 46.5 percent from the field but they struggled greatly from 3-point territory, going just 1-for-14. They also missed 16 of their 42 free throws.
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