Clippers take Game 7 thanks to miraculous game winner by Chris Paul

In a slugfest that featured 31 lead changes, it was the Los Angeles Clippers that emerged victorious over the San Antonio Spurs by a score of 111-109 in Game 7 to advance into the Western Conference Semifinals.

The game was extremely tight heading down the stretch, with both teams trading what appeared to be knockout blows. The Spurs raced out to a five-point lead, but the Clippers answered with two treys by J.J. Redick to edge ahead. All in all, there were 13 ties in the fourth quarter.

But the series came down to one final play. With just one second left on the clock in a tie game, an injured Chris Paul somehow managed to hit a miraculous floater over a hard closeout by Tim Duncan for the win.

The series victory sees Los Angeles advance into the second round to face the Houston Rockets, who beat the Dallas Mavericks in a 4-1 gentleman's sweep in Round 1. 

For Round 2 playoff schedules, tap here.

Turning Point

Let's set the scene. 

After a ridiculous fourth quarter, the Clippers turned to Paul for a chance at the win.

Two possessions prior, Paul managed to coax a questionable foul call against a shot contest by Duncan. Paul nailed two free throws to edge the Clippers ahead, but Duncan tied it up after two free throws of his own.

That set the stage for Paul to shine.

The Clippers turned to the exact same play: a high pick-and-roll with Blake Griffin. After the Spurs switched, Duncan was again matched with Paul. With no place to go and time expiring, Paul threw up a desperate turn-around floater that landed high and soft on the glass, before dropping through the basket.

The Spurs then tried to set up a lob play for Kawhi Leonard, but the Clippers' scorekeepers jumped the gun on the clock, which allowed Los Angeles a sneak peak at the Spurs' intentions. San Antonio tried the action once more after the error was rectified, but the Clippers easily snuffed it out, with Matt Barnes rotating over for the block.

Star Performer(s)

Again, the honor goes to Paul, who battled a hamstring strain to pour in a game-high 27 points, six assists, two rebounds and two steals on 9-of-13 shooting from the field.

Paul mostly limped his way through the match and was repeatedly spotted grabbing at his hamstring. However, he came through when the Clippers needed him most, dropping nine points in the final frame to give Los Angeles the series victory.

Griffin was equally as effective. He dropped a triple-double, with 24 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists as he beat every defensive scheme the Spurs could muster. 

Paul and Griffin's combined efforts in the win might very well have saved Clippers owner Steve Ballmer from blowing his fuse.

Highlight Reel

Chris Paul beats the buzzer (to end the third):

We'll always remember the Spurs for their superhuman ball movement:

Two Wake Forrest alums share a moment:

Series at a Glance

Game 1: Clippers 107, Spurs 102 (Clippers lead 1-0)
Game 2: Spurs 111, Clippers 107 OT (Series tied 1-1)
Game 3: Spurs 100, Clippers 73 (Spurs lead 2-1)
Game 4: Clippers 114, Spurs 105 (Series tied 2-2)
Game 5: Spurs 111, Clippers 107 (Spurs lead 3-2)
Game 6: Clippers 102, Spurs 96 (Series tied 3-3)
Game 7: Clippers 111, Spurs 109 (Clippers win 4-3)