Philippines, 18 May 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


NBA PLAYOFFS - Spurs sweep Jazz, advance to second round


PhilBoxing.com




THE San Antonio Spurs exorcised the ghosts of their recent playoffs past by sweeping the Utah Jazz in their opening round series and punch a ticket to this year's Western Conference semifinals against the winner of the winner of the Clippers-Grizzlies match-up.

The No.1 seed in the West in last year's postseason, the Spurs were unceremoniously eliminated in the first round by the then 8th seeded Memphis Grizzlies, leaving a ugly blot in the proud franchise's championsip tradition.

The Spurs entered the postseason also as the West's No.1 seed this year. But there's no major upset this time, none of the underwhelming effort that characterized last season's demise. Thus far, the Spurs are showing the strength and poise that have netted them NBA titles in 1999, 2003, 2005 and 2007.

Relying on their size, might and bench depth, San Antonio simply crushed an overwhelmed Utah team, winning the first three games by an average margin of 19.3 points including a massive 114-83 Game 2 blowout at the AT@T Center in San Antonio.

The Game 4 clincher Monday night at the Energy Solutions Arena in Utah wasn't a complete and thorough annihilation, but the Spurs won easily anyway, leading by 21 in the fourth quarter before settling with an 87-81 finale.

"We want to get it done. Obviously we want to stay away from injuries, get as much rest as possible, stay as fresh as possible. All of that equals trying to get the series done as quickly as possible," Spurs center Tim Duncan said prior to the close out game.

Mission accomplished.

With a ticket to Round 2 of these NBA playoffs on hand, the Spurs have at least a few days rest, depending on how short or long the Clippers-Grizzlies showdown last.

Led by Manu Ginobili's 17, the Spurs had five guys who finished with double figures in points. Tony Parker, George Neal and Duncan tallied 11 each while Tiago Splitter had 10. Stephen Jackson chipped in eight points.

San Antonio shot poorly from the field, 28-of-74 (37.8 percent), but they were terrific from 3-point range, 10-of 22 (45.5 percent). The Jazz also had trouble finding their mark, 32-of-88 field goals (36.4 percent). Utah was especially bad above the arc, missing all 13 attempts.

The Jazz bigs -- Al Jefferson and Derrick Favors -- combined for 42 points and 20 rebounds while point guard Devin Harris had 19 points and 7 assists. Paul Millsap finished with 10. But the Jazz had no answer to the Spurs' bench, who outscored their Jazz counterparts, 47-10.

"I just think we're playing against a team that is at it's peak. I don't see nobody beating them. We ain't given up trying. But this is a great team," Jazz center Al Jefferson said Sunday.

He was right. These Spurs are good. Really, really good. (Homer D. Sayson)


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Jayson Mama Set to Challenge for IBO World Super Flyweight Title in Johannesburg
    , Sat, 17 May 2025
  • Fisher vs Allen 2: Can Johnny Make Necessary Improvements?
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 17 May 2025
  • Weights from Panamá City
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 17 May 2025
  • CRUZ LANDS IBF ELIMINATOR AGAINST MISHIRO IN NEW YORK
    , Sat, 17 May 2025
  • Fisher and Allen Hit the Scales Ahead of Highly Anticipated Heavyweight Rematch
    , Sat, 17 May 2025
  • Boxing: Sport Entertainment or Entertainment Sport (Part Two)
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Fri, 16 May 2025
  • NYC PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES: BERLANGA VS. SHEERAZ / SHAKUR STEVENSON VS. WILLIAM ZEPEDA
    , Fri, 16 May 2025
  • HALL OF FAME TRAINER FREDDIE ROACH TO BE HONORED BY THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES IN PUBLIC CEREMONY AT FREDDIE'S GYM!
    , Fri, 16 May 2025
  • HALL OF FAME BROADCASTER JIM LAMPLEY TO PARTICIPATE IN 2025 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND FESTIVITIES
    , Fri, 16 May 2025
  • Minnesota, Indiana Back Again in the Eastern and Western Conference Finals
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Thu, 15 May 2025
  • In Jonathan’s memory
    By Joaquin Henson, , Thu, 15 May 2025
  • WATCH: HITCHINS AND KAMBOSOS JR IN INTENSE FACE-OFF WITH ONE MONTH UNTIL NYC SHOWDOWN
    , Thu, 15 May 2025
  • Toledo-Xignex Trojans finally win the PCAP online team chess tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 15 May 2025
  • Former WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Nazarena Romero to Exercise Immediate Rematch Clause Against Mayelli Flores Rosquero
    , Thu, 15 May 2025
  • Pacquiao's Controversial WBC Ranking Explained: "Legend" Status Cited Amid July Return
    By Dong Secuya, , Thu, 15 May 2025
  • No-contest ruling awaited
    By Joaquin Henson, , Thu, 15 May 2025
  • FISHER VS. ALLEN 2 + UNDERCARD FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
    , Thu, 15 May 2025
  • Tyler Langer Defeats Raphael Carolina By Unanimous Decision in Headline Bout of Jeter Promotions Card at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland
    , Thu, 15 May 2025
  • Canelo vs. Crawford Bout Faces Date and Venue Shift
    By Dong Secuya, , Wed, 14 May 2025
  • BROADCAST TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR “CHAMPIONING MENTAL HEALTH: A NIGHT OF BOXING” ON THURSDAY, MAY 22
    , Wed, 14 May 2025
  • UNBEATEN AMATEUR WORLD CHAMPION TIAH-MAI AYTON SIGNS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
    , Wed, 14 May 2025
  • Arum Targets Manila Rematch: Navarrete vs. Suarez 2 Eyed for Thrilla in Manila Anniversary
    By Dong Secuya, , Wed, 14 May 2025
  • Ron Johnson’s American Dream Presents & Nothing But Sportz Announce “The Caribbean Clash” Boxing Event at Miami’s James L. Knight Center on Saturday, August 9
    , Wed, 14 May 2025
  • Francis Chua is Fighting for Family in Comeback fight as he eyes Future fight with Harry Garside
    , Tue, 13 May 2025
  • Pacquiao Falls Short in Senate Bid, Eyes WBC Title in Stunning Boxing Comeback
    By Dong Secuya, , Tue, 13 May 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.