The Los Angeles Clippers controlled most of the first half against the San Antonio Spurs, excuse me LA Stars and Dallas Chaparrals, but a 17-5 run after the Spurs were down 13 at one point has San Antonio up at halftime 45-43. In the second run of Hardwood Classic's ABA games, and the first against an actual ABA franchise, the Clippers controlled the game for one and a half quarters, but the last six minutes have belonged to San Antonio. Halftime adjustments are necessary if the Clippers want to regain control of this game.
Mo Williams hit a three pointer with an assist from Chris Paul just under the six minute mark to put the Clippers up by 10 points. It was from this point that the Spurs went on their 17-5 run. Tim Duncan's layup with 29 seconds left tied the game for the first time since the opening tip.
The Clippers went down and tried to work for the last possession, but Caron Butler's three point attempt air balled, giving the Spurs the chance to run a half court play after a time out. Tony Parker, Chris Paul's backup on the All-Star team, drove straight for the basket and hit an unguarded layup to put the Spurs up at the half.
Blake Griffin leads all scorers with 13 points, while San Antonio doesn't have a scorer in double digits. The Spurs haven't made a free throw yet in the game, with Tiago Splitter going to the line once and missing both shots. San Antonio is shooting better from the field, but not by much.
The second half will tell if the Clippers just fell asleep on a good team, or if San Antonio found a weakness and will continue to exploit it. Each backcourt trio has combined for fifteen points, and each team has made three from behind the arc. If both teams keep doing what they're doing, it should be an exciting finish.
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