Spurs outlast Mavericks in Game 5 to take 3-2 series lead
The San Antonio Spurs led from start to finish in Wednesday night's game against the Dallas Mavericks, though they were never able to pull away. In the end, though, it was the Spurs coming away with a 109-103 victory to take a 3-2 series lead.
The Spurs are now in position to eliminate the Mavericks at the American Airlines Center on Friday.
Tim Duncan: 151st playoff double-double. Only @MagicJohnson (157) has more (via @eliassports)
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 1, 2014
Star Performer
Spurs guard Manu Ginobili looked masterful at times Wednesday, scoring 19 points off the bench on 6-of-14 shooting, knocking down three of his seven shots from beyond the arc, and adding five assists, four rebounds, and three steals.
Turning Point
The Spurs led by as many as 12 points in the fourth quarter, but the Mavericks got to within four points. Inside the game's final minute, Tony Parker and Tim Duncan called on old reliable, the pick-and-roll, to deliver the dagger.
Highlight Reel
The fast break, perfected.
Passing behind your own back is old news. Manu Ginobili passes to Tim Duncan behind Samuel Dalembert's back for the easy two points.
He's going to shoot a three... he's going to shoot a three... he's going to... pass!
Quote of the Night
Presented without comment.
First they honor @Monroe_SA, then Manu Ginobili and Vince Carter going off. What is it, Old Fart Night at the AT&T Center?
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) May 1, 2014
Series at a Glance
Game 1: SA 90, DAL 85 (Spurs lead 1-0)
Game 2: DAL 113, SA 92 (Series tied 1-1)
Game 3: DAL 109, SA 108 (Mavericks lead 2-1)
Game 4: SA 93, DAL 89 (Series tied 2-2)
Game 5: SA 109, DAL 103 (Spurs lead 3-2)
Game 6: Friday, May 2 - 8 p.m. ET
Game 7: Sunday, May 4 - TBD