On Tuesday night the San Antonio Spurs moved one game away from advancing to the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs. Kawhi Leonard once again led the team, but this time had help from the bench. Despite a solid effort from Mike Conley, the Memphis Grizzlies now find themselves at a 3-2 disadvantage and in desperate need of a Game 6 win on their home floor. Here's a look at how Gregg Popovich's San Antonio Spurs' team picked up the big victory Tuesday night against Memphis.
Leonard, Mills lead Spurs
Kawhi Leonard may finish third in the NBA MVP race, but he's certainly leading the way for his Spurs team in the postseason.
Tuesday night was further evidence as Leonard led all Spurs' players with 28 points. He also dished out six assists and hit seven of the eight free throws he attempted. Leonard played 39 minutes and was the main key to tonight's victory, although the team was firing on all cylinders.
Leonard also had some help from bench player Patty Mills. The reserve gave the Spurs 22 minutes tonight and finished with 20 points on 7-for-10 shooting. Mills also knocked down five of the seven three-point shots he took, had two assists, and snatched two rebounds. Starting players LaMarcus Aldridge and David Lee teamed up to score 23 points and grab 17 rebounds in the win.
For the game, the Spurs shot 52.5 percent from the floor including 50 percent three-point shooting.
Also, they outrebounded Memphis 34-31 and limited their turnovers. The main difference came down to the three-point shot though, as Memphis only hit on nine of their 22 attempts from long distance.
Mike Conley and Marc Gasol were the leaders in tonight's Memphis Grizzlies' effort. Conley had a team-high 26 points to go with six assists and four steals.
Gasol had 17 points, seven assists, and five rebounds for his night. Jeff Green and Vince Carter each finished in double digits as did James Ennis III.
When do they play next?
The San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies meet again for Game 6. It will be a "must win" situation for Memphis, and a chance for the Spurs to move on to their next opponents.
With Tuesday's win by the Houston Rockets, those will be the next opponents.
Game 6 of the Spurs vs. Grizzlies will take place on Thursday night. Game time is set for 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time with TNT handling the live telecast. If a Game 7 is necessary, that will take place in San Antonio on Saturday night also on TNT with the game time to be announced.