Spurs rest easy with Duncan

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Spurs vs. Clippers Game 1


SPURS — San Antonio Spurs Kawahi Leonard drives to the basket as Los Angeles Clippers Kenyon Martin tries to defend during the second half of game one in the Western Conference semifinals at ATT Center, Tuesday, May 15, 2012. The Spurs won 108-92, to lead the series, 1-0. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


SPURS — San Antonio Spurs Tim Duncan drives around Los Angeles Clippers Blake Griffin during the first half of game one in the Western Conference semifinals at ATT Center, Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


SPURS — San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich reacts to a call during their game against the Los Angeles Clippers in game one of the Western Conference semifinals at ATT Center, Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


SPURS — Los Angeles Clippers head coach Vinny Del Negro calls out a play during the first half of game one in the Western Conference semifinals at ATT Center, Tuesday, May 15, 2012. The Clippers lost to the San Antonio Spurs, 108-92. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


SPURS — San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich send in Tony Parker during their game against the Los Angeles Clippers in game one of the Western Conference semifinals at ATT Center, Monday, May 15, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


SPURS — San Antonio Spurs Manu Ginobili attempts to score as Los Angeles Clippers Eric Bledsoe defends during the first half of game one in the Western Conference semifinals at ATT Center, Tuesday, May 15, 2012. The Spurs won 108-92, to lead the series, 1-0. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


SPURS — San Antonio Spurs Kawhi Leonard attempts to score as Los Angeles Clippers Blake Griffin tries to defend during game one of the Western Conference semifinals at ATT Center, Tuesday, May 15, 2012. The Spurs won 108-92, to lead the series, 1-0. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


SPURS — San Antonio Spurs Kawhi Leonard drives to the basket as Los Angeles Clippers Kenyon Martin tries to defend during the second half of game one in the Western Conference semifinals at ATT Center, Tuesday, May 15, 2012. The Spurs won 108-92, to lead the series, 1-0. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


SPURS — San Antonio Spurs Manu Ginobili drives the ball against Los Angeles Clippers Eric Bledsoe during the second half of game one in the Western Conference semifinals at ATT Center, Tuesday, May 15, 2012. The Spurs won 108-92, to lead the series, 1-0. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


SPURS — San Antonio Spurs Kawhi Leonard scrambles for the ball as Los Angeles Clippers Randy Foye, left, and Chris Paul surround him during game one of the Western Conference semifinals at ATT Center, Tuesday, May 15, 2012. The Spurs won 108-92, to lead the series, 1-0. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


FOR SPORTS – Spurs’ Danny Green shoots around Clippers’ Blake Griffin during first half action of Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals Monday May 15, 2012 at the ATT Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


FOR SPORTS – Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard shoots overt Clippers’ Randy Foye during first half action of Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals Monday May 15, 2012 at the ATT Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (02) goes up for a shot against Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin (32) in the first half in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs’ Tiago Splitter (22) and Matt Bonner (15) squeeze Los Angeles Clippers’ Eric Bledsoe (12) in the first half in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) confers with official Derrick Collins during a break in the game against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs’ Tony Parker (09) takes a wild jumper against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (02) grabs a rebound against Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin (32) in the first half in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (02) puts up a shot over Los Angeles Clippers’ Caron Butler (05) in the first half in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs’ Tony Parker (09) and Los Angeles Clippers’ Chris Paul (03) offer one another hugs before Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Los Angeles Clippers’ Chris Paul (03) takes a last second shot over Spurs’ Tony Parker (09) in the first quarter in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) attempts to drive around Los Angeles Clippers’ Kenyon Martin (02) in the first half in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin (32) dunks over Spurs’ Tony Parker (09) in the first half in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (02) steal a ball of out the air against Los Angeles Clippers’ Caron Butler (05) in the first half in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs’ Danny Green (04) gestures after a score against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first half in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs’ Boris Diaw (33) takes a reverse layup against Los Angeles Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan (06) in the first half in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs’ Tony Parker (09) gets the ball stolen by Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin (32) in the first half in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


FOR SPORTS – Spurs’ Tim Duncan and Clippers’ Blake Griffin struggle for position during first half action of Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals Monday May 15, 2012 at the ATT Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


FOR SPORTS – Spurs’ Manu Ginobili looks for room around Clippers’ Eric Bledsoe during first half action of Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals Monday May 15, 2012 at the ATT Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


FOR SPORTS – Spurs’ Boris Diaw shoots around Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan during first half action of Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals Monday May 15, 2012 at the ATT Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


SPURS — San Antonio Spurs Tony Parker drives to the basket during the first half of game one in the Western Conference semifinals at ATT Center, Monday, May 15, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


SPURS –Miah Martinez, 4, rides the elevator with father, Christian Martinez, left, and uncle Arturo Martinez before game one in the Western Conference semi-finals at ATT Center, Monday, May 15, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


SPURS — Miah Martinez, 4, dons her San Antonio Spurs gear while attending the first half of game one in the Western Conference semi-finals at ATT Center, Monday, May 15, 2012. Martinez, of Austin, was with her father and uncle. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


SPURS — Miah Martinez, 4, dons her San Antonio Spurs gear while attending the first half of game one in the Western Conference semi-finals at ATT Center, Monday, May 15, 2012. Martinez, of Austin, was with her father and uncle. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


SPURS –Christian Martinez and his daughter, Miah, 4, shop at the San Antonio Spurs store before game one in the Western Conference semi-finals at ATT Center, Monday, May 15, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


SPURS — San Antonio Spurs Gary Neal waves to the crowd as he heads to the lockerroom before during game one in the Western Conference semi-finals at ATT Center, Monday, May 15, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


SPURS — San Antonio Spurs Tony Parker drives to the basket during the first half of game one in the Western Conference semifinals at ATT Center, Monday, May 15, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


Spurs’ Danny Green (04) gestures after a score against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first half in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


SPURS — San Antonio Spurs Tony Parker talks with head coach Gregg Popobich during the first half of game one in the Western Conference semifinals against the Los Angeles Clippers at ATT Center, Monday, May 15, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


Spurs’ Tony Parker (09) takes a wild shot as he’s fouled by Los Angeles Clippers’ Eric Bledsoe (12) in the first half in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) shoots over Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin (32) in the first half in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


SPURS — San Antonio Spurs Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili celebrate at mid court during their win against the Los Angeles Cllippers in game one of the Western Conference semifinals at ATT Center, Tuesday, May 15, 2012. The Spurs won 108-92, to lead the series, 1-0. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


SPURS — San Antonio Spurs Boris Diaw and Tim Duncan celebrate at mid court during their win against the Los Angeles Cllippers in game one of the Western Conference semifinals at ATT Center, Tuesday, May 15, 2012. The Spurs won 108-92, to lead the series, 1-0. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


FOR SPORTS – Spurs’ Tim Duncan shoots over Clippers’ Eric Bledsoe during second half action of Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals Monday May 15, 2012 at the ATT Center. The Spurs won 108-92. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


SPURS — San Antonio Spurs Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili celebrate at mid court during their win against the Los Angeles Cllippers in game one of the Western Conference semifinals at ATT Center, Tuesday, May 15, 2012. The Spurs won 108-92, to lead the series, 1-0. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


SPURS — San Antonio Spurs Tim Duncan reacts after scoring late in the fourth against the Los Angeles Cllippers in game one of the Western Conference semifinals at ATT Center, Tuesday, May 15, 2012. The Spurs won 108-92, to lead the series, 1-0. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


FOR SPORTS – Spurs’ Tony Parker (from left) celebrates with teammates Boris Diaw and Tim Duncan after Diaw scored against the Clippers during second half action of Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals Monday May 15, 2012 at the ATT Center. The Spurs won 108-92. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


FOR SPORTS – Spurs’ Tim Duncan shoots over Clippers’ Eric Bledsoe during second half action of Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals Monday May 15, 2012 at the ATT Center. The Spurs won 108-92. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) taps teammate Tim Duncan (21) on the head as the with Tony Parker (09) head to the bench after a timeout in the game against the Los Angeles Clippers in the second half of Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Spurs defeated the Clippers, 108-92. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


FOR SPORTS – Spurs’ Tim Duncan looks to pass around Clippers’ Blake Griffin during second half action of Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals Monday May 15, 2012 at the ATT Center. The Spurs won 108-92. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


FOR SPORTS – Spurs’ Stephen Jackson reacts after making a 3-pointer against the Clippers during second half action of Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals Monday May 15, 2012 at the ATT Center. The Spurs won 108-92. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) reaches to block a shot by Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin (32) in the second half of Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Spurs defeated the Clippers, 108-92. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) gets fouled as he goes up for a shot against Los Angeles Clippers’ Chris Paul (03) in the second half of Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Spurs defeated the Clippers, 108-92. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs Tony Parker reacts during the second half against the Los Angeles Cllippers in game one iof the Western Conference semifinals at ATT Center, Tuesday, May 15, 2012. The Spurs won 108-92, to lead the series, 1-0. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


Spurs’ Tony Parker (09) and Boris Diaw (33) apply pressure against Los Angeles Clippers’ Chris Paul (03) in the second half of Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Spurs defeated the Clippers, 108-92. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs Boris Diaw strips the ball from Los Angeles Clippers Blake Griffin during the second half of game one in the Western Conference semifinals at ATT Center, Tuesday, May 15, 2012. The Spurs won 108-92, to lead the series, 1-0. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


Spurs’ Manu Ginobili shoots over Clippers’ Chris Paul during second half action of Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals Monday May 15, 2012 at the ATT Center. The Spurs won 108-92. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich talks with the team during second half action of Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Clippers Monday May 15, 2012 at the ATT Center. The Spurs won 108-92. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) checks on Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin (32) after Griffin was accidently hit in the mouth by Duncan in the second half of Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Spurs defeated the Clippers, 108-92. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs’ Tony Parker (09) gets jammed as he attempts to drive to the basket against Los Angeles Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan (06) in the second half of Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Spurs defeated the Clippers, 108-92. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) playfully kicks teammate Danny Green (04) during a timeout against the Los Angeles Clippers in the second half of Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Spurs defeated the Clippers, 108-92. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Members of the Clippers watch second half action of Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Spurs from the bench Monday May 15, 2012 at the ATT Center. The Spurs won 108-92. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs Tim Duncan strips the ball from Los Angeles Clippers Caron Butler during the second half of game one in the Western Conference semifinals at ATT Center, Tuesday, May 15, 2012. The Spurs won 108-92, to lead the series, 1-0. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


Clippers head coach Vinny Del Negro reacts to a play during first half action of Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Spurs Monday May 15, 2012 at the ATT Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Los Angeles Clippers’ Eric Bledsoe (12) kneels during a break in the game against the Spurs in the second half of Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Spurs defeated the Clippers, 108-92. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Clippers’ Chris Paul shoots around Spurs’ Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard during second half action of Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals Monday May 15, 2012 at the ATT Center. The Spurs won 108-92. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs coach Gregg Popovich yells at Spurs center Tiago Splitter after a botched play against the Los Angeles Clippers in the second half of Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Spurs defeated the Clippers, 108-92. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs SilverDancer perform during a timeout in the Spurs game against the Los Angeles Clippers in the second half of Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Spurs defeated the Clippers, 108-92. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs’ Tim Duncan and Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan grab for a rebound during second half action of Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals Monday May 15, 2012 at the ATT Center. The Spurs won 108-92. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


SPURS — San Antonio Spurs Gary Neal looks to pass the ball as Los Angeles Clippers Reggie Evans, left, and Mo Williams attempt to defend during the first half of game one in the Western Conference semifinals at ATT Center, Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


Members of the Clippers huddle during a second half timeout of Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Spurs Monday May 15, 2012 at the ATT Center. The Spurs won 108-92. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Los Angeles Clippers’ Chris Paul (03) and Mo Williams (25) take to the bench with other players as they fell to the Spurs in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Spurs defeated the Clippers, 108-92. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs Matt Bonner and Tiago Splitter tie up Los Angeles Clippers Blake Griffin during the first half of game one in the Western Conference semifinals at ATT Center, Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin (32) takes a seat on the bench as they fell to the Spurs ine Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at the ATT Center on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Spurs defeated the Clippers, 108-92. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. (Kin Man Hui / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs Tim Duncan goes for two against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of game one in the Western Conference semifinals at ATT Center, Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


Spurs Danny Green goes around Los Angeles Clippers Kenyon Martin during the first half of game one in the Western Conference semifinals at ATT Center, Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


A member of the Spurs Silver Dancers performs during a timeout in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals Monday May 15, 2012 at the ATT Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Spurs’ Boris Diaw grabs for a rebound against Clippers’ Blake Griffin during first half action of Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals Monday May 15, 2012 at the ATT Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


San Antonio Spurs Kawhi Leanard snatches a rebound from Los Angeles Clippers Blake Griffen during the first half of game one in the Western Conference semifinals at ATT Center, Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

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By Jeff McDonald

For eight days, the Spurs puttered around their practice gym, fighting off rust and wishing the Western Conference semifinals would start already.

Two days after finishing off a grueling Game 7 in Memphis, the Los Angeles Clippers arrived in San Antonio wishing they had a couple extra days to catch their breath.

In Game 1 on Tuesday night at the ATT Center, fresh legs won out over exhausted ones, and the well-rested Spurs struck first blood with a 108-92 victory.

“You’re always scared coming in here with so many days off,” said Tim Duncan, who notched his 133rd career playoff double-double with 26 points and 10 rebounds. “It makes you scared you’re going to come out here and stumble out of the gates.”

By the time the second half rolled around, the Spurs were back in a playoff groove. And the Clippers were plum out of gas.

More recharged than rusty, Duncan and Manu Ginobili (22 points) each turned in playoff scoring highs, as the top-seeded Spurs picked up where they left off in the first-round sweep of Utah.

The victory was the Spurs’ 15th in a row, dating to the end of the regular season, and fifth consecutive in the playoffs. It came after the Spurs’ longest layoff of the season, which they spent waiting out the Clippers’ to-the-limit series against Memphis.

“It was hard to start,” Ginobili said. “We were a little sluggish at the beginning. Then, we picked it up.”

After that, it was off to the races.

One sign the Spurs had their legs: They made 13 of 25 on 3-pointers, tying a franchise playoff record, including three apiece from Kawhi Leonard (16 points), Danny Green (15) and Ginobili.

During the break between the end of the first round and start of the second, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich fretted the extended time off might discombobulate the rhythm his team had gained in the first round.

He paced his team through every-other-day practices, including full-squad scrimmages, trying to keep his players sharp.

“You’ve got to do whatever you think is necessary to try to keep your rhythm, keep your conditioning and not get anybody hurt,” Popovich said.

After some early struggles — such as nine first-half turnovers — the Spurs rounded into form. Up by eight at intermission, the Spurs put together a 26-11 run in the third quarter to build a lead that got as large as 19 points.

The Clippers, who overcame a 27-point deficit in the second half of Game 1 against Memphis, did not go quietly.

When backup guard Eric Bledsoe, who finished with a team-high 23 points, hit a layup with 8:42 to play, it brought the Clippers within 90-82.

“We have some very resilient guys,” Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro said. “We’ll play through it.”

Late in the fourth quarter, the Clippers hit a wall.

With starters Chris Paul (hip), Blake Griffin (knee) and Caron Butler (hand) nursing injuries, the Clippers could have used about a week to heal up.

It was difficult to tell, for example, if it was exhaustion or the Spurs’ defense that caused Paul’s six-point, 3-for-13 night. On the flip side, was the Clippers’ defense or rust responsible for Tony Parker’s 1-for-9 showing?

It was an oddly quiet battle of All-Star point guards, neither of which scored in the second half. Paul added 10 assists and five steals to his line, but also had five turnovers.

Parker contributed 11 assists and seven points, winning the battle by virtue of his team winning the game.

“We really don’t care if he’s the one scoring 25 (points),” Ginobili said of Parker. “The important thing is to move the ball, attack and kick and find the open teammates.”

The power forward matchup, meanwhile, tilted in the Spurs’ direction.

Playing through a sore knee he approximated left him at 80 percent, Griffin turned in 15 points but missed 10 of his 17 field goals. The young, high-flying Clippers All-Star was consistently schooled by 36-year-old Duncan, who scored eight of his points during the Spurs’ decisive third-quarter spurt.

“(Duncan) is not going to do anything that’s going to be on a highlight film for TV,” Popovich said. “But a highlight film for coaches, possibly.”

Duncan and the Spurs were as rested as they have been all season Tuesday, and it showed.

Leonard’s young legs led him to six rebounds and one block to go along with his scoring. Boris Diaw pulled in 12 rebounds. Green grabbed six rebounds to complement his hot-shooting night.

When it was over, and the Spurs held another 1-0 series lead, they could rest easy in this knowledge: They only have to wait a day to play Game 2.

jmcdonald?@express-news.net
Twitter” @JMcDonald_SAEN

SPURS VS. CLIPPERS
(Spurs lead best-of-seven series 1-0)

Game 1:

Game 2: Thursday, @Spurs, 8:30 p.m., ESPN

Game 3: Saturday, @Clippers, 2:30 p.m., ABC

Game 4: Sunday, @Clippers, 9:30 p.m., TNT

* Game 5: Tuesday, @Spurs, TBA, TNT

* Game 6: May 25, @Clippers, TBA, ESPN

* Game 7: May 27, @Spurs, TBA, TNT

* If necessary

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