Spurs survive overtime thriller versus Clippers

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SAN ANTONIO – Fans who made the trip to the AT&T Center were treated to an exciting finish as the Austin Spurs needed overtime to defeat the Agua Caliente Clippers, 96-95.

Jaron Blossomgame recorded his fifth double-double for Austin, as the rookie finished with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Darrun Hilliard scored a game-high 25 points to go along with four rebounds. And Nick Johnson continued his strong play with 18 points and seven rebounds.

For the Clippers, they were led by Tyrone Wallace’s 25 points, six rebounds and nine assists. LaDontae Henton had 18 points and six rebounds in 34 minutes. Meanwhile JJ O’Brien and Marshall Plumlee had 13 and 12 points, respectively.

Austin’s first quarter was absolutely dominated by Blossomgame and Hilliard, as the duo had 14 of the Spurs 28 points in the frame, giving the silver and black an early nine point lead.

Johnson’s offense carried the Spurs in the second quarter, as the guard nailed a 3-pointer and got to the free throw line with ease. His breakout along with contributions from Tucker Haymond and Julian Washburn helped Austin push their lead to 17 points at halftime.

The Spurs struggled on offense to start the second half, shooting just a paltry 32 percent as a team, but still maintained a double-digit lead heading into the fourth.

But as the case is with every G League game, no lead is ever safe.

A 10-2 run started the fourth quarter for the Clippers, bringing them to within three. After a 3-pointer from Johnson and a dunk by Amida Brimah, the Clippers went on another 8-0 to take the lead for the first time since the score was 4-2.

Both teams fumbled a bit down the stretch, ending in a 93-93 tie.

Heading into the 2-minute overtime period, Hilliard nailed the only field goal for either team, giving Austin a 96-93 lead. Henton made a pair of free throws for the Clippers, but Austin’s defense held for them in check throughout to secure the one point win.

UP NEXT
Texas Legends (3-4) vs. Austin Spurs (8-3)
H-E-B Center at Cedar Park – Cedar Park, TX
December 1, 2017 – 7:30 p.m.

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