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NBA wrap: CP3 clinches OT win for Clippers, as Spurs sweep Jazz

Chris Paul scored eight points in overtime as the LA Clippers took a huge step towards the Western Conference semi-finals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opeEXvjUhF4

YouTube Credit: NbaFanPlayoff

THE SAN ANTONIO SPURS completed their sweep of the Utah Jazz in the first round of the NBA playoffs on Monday.

Manu Ginobili scored 17 points and Tim Duncan and Tony Parker added 11 as San Antonio advanced to the second round of the Western Conference playoffs, their 87-81 victory in Salt Lake City sealing a 4-0 win in the best-of-seven series.

In Los Angeles, Chris Paul scored eight points in overtime as the Clippers edged out the Memphis Grizzlies 101-97 to clinch a 3-1 series lead.

But it was Ginobili who was the star of the night, leading the top-seeded Spurs to their 14th straight win.

Ginobili, zero from eight from beyond the arc in the first three games of the best-of-seven series, hit three successive three-pointers after Utah had closed the gap to 61-58 in the third quarter.

San Antonio then piled on 15 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, extending their lead to 21 before the home side mounted a spirited late comeback.

However it was not enough for Utah, who were condemned to their eighth consecutive playoffs loss.

San Antonio will face either the Clippers or Memphis in the Western Conference semi-finals.

YouTube Credit: NbaFanPlayoff

The Grizzlies rallied in the fourth quarter to force overtime at the Staples Center with Mike Conley (25 points) and Rudy Gay (23) leading the charge for the visitors.

Paul however proved the difference in extra time for the Clippers, ending with 27 points, seven assists and nine rebounds.

“Down the stretch, Chris Paul made all the plays,” Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins told media post-game.

“We’re going against a great player. The guy’s a great player, and that’s what great players do.”

Blake Griffin poured in 30 points and had seven assists for the home side before fouling out with 2:26 to play in overtime.

The Clippers last reached the second round of the Western Conference playoffs in 2006.

Memphis host game five of the series at the FedEx Forum on Wednesday.

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