The San Antonio Spurs soared past the Dallas Mavericks 119-96 in a game seven thriller on Sunday, May 4 at a sold out AT&T Center.
After losing a heartbreaker in game six, San Antonio came out full of grit, determination and intent as they played in front of a raucous 18,581 fans.
Tony Parker led the way for the Spurs, going 11-for-19 from the field for 32 points with four assists.
“The first part of the series I was just trying to play Spurs basketball and move the ball, but the strategy of Dallas was clear,” said Parker after the game on his play. “The last three games I was very aggressive. I think I had 19 shots, so I just tried to be aggressive.”
The Spurs led the way for most of the night, leading by as many as 29 points in the second quarter with Dallas cutting it down to 14 in the third, for only San Antonio to stretch the lead till the games end.
“I’m certainly glad its over,” said Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich on the series. “It kept many of us up night after night trying to figure those guys out. Rick did a great job with his game plan and his coaches; confounded us and his players were great.”
The Mavericks tried everything to slow down the Spurs, with a tough chippy series culminating in a highly physical game seven. The game saw two technical fouls and four flagrants, with two being called back. But the Spurs were able to match the chippy play with a great all around effort.
“I think tonight was our best game, offensively and defensively in the playoffs overall,” said Parker on his teams magnificent play.
Tim Duncan contributed 15 points with Kawhi Leonard matching that total, while Ginobili added 20 points off the bench. Additionally, Danny Green started to get his range back, hitting four of six three pointers to end the game with 16 points.
“This was a great warm-up — if you can call it a warm-up,” said Parker on the similarities between the Mavericks and the Portland Trailblazers, their next opponent. “Dirk is one of the best ever and Monta Ellis played great. It will be pretty much of the same with Lillard and Aldridge and pick and rolls. But you can’t forget the other guys, they have great shooters everywhere.”
The Spurs can now rest and regain their focus before game one with the Portland Trailblazers on Tuesday, May 6 at 7:30 pm.
