NBA Playoffs 2012: Breaking Down San Antonio Spurs vs. L.A. Clippers Series

The western side of the 2012 NBA playoff bracket has featured some intense battles between motivated and hungry teams. Just four remain standing and after the second round is over, two will be left to contest for the right to represent the West in the NBA Finals.

Let’s take a look at one of those series, with some key points for each team to win and a schedule of the games.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs

This is a classic matchup between an upstart team full of young superstars and a creaky group of elder veterans with plenty of postseason experience.

Fortunately for L.A., they played the extremely resilient Memphis Grizzlies in the first round and the series went seven.

While they might be a bit tired, the men on that roster now know what they must to do to win in the playoffs—especially on the road.

It won’t be easy for them to overcome a well-rested Spurs squad that swept the Utah Jazz and has been waiting for an opponent for over a week now.

Keys for Clippers

Get Chris Paul Going

CP3 is the best player on any roster this series and has the ability to completely control the game. He can create his own shot, get his teammates involved and do all of the little things necessary to pull off the upset.

Use Athleticism and Youth

If L.A. can get running up and down the court and either getting the home crowd involved or silencing the fans in San Antonio with alley-oops and more spectacular plays, they will have an advantage. Blake Griffin can make or break this series with his dunking alone.

Keys for Spurs

Slow the Game Down

The Spurs are one of the best half-court teams in the NBA. They can afford to take their time and work on each possession. One of L.A.’s biggest faults is their inability to play well in this type of slow game and coach Gregg Popovich should use it to his advantage.

Take Advantage of Bench

With the emergence of rookie Kawhi Leonard and a trade to return Stephen Jackson to the Alamo City, the Spurs are a surprisingly deep team in 2012.

While Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker are the unquestioned stars, Coach Pop will call on his bench to see significant playing time.

2012 Los Angeles Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs Playoff Schedule

Game 1 : Tuesday, May 15 - L.A. Clippers at San Antonio, 6:30 p.m. PT (TNT)

Game 2 : Thursday, May 17 - L.A. Clippers at San Antonio, 6:30 p.m. PT (ESPN)

Game 3 : Saturday, May 19 - San Antonio at L.A. Clippers, 12:30 p.m. PT (ABC)

Game 4 : Sunday, May 20 - San Antonio at L.A. Clippers, 7:30 p.m. PT (TNT)

*Game 5 : Tuesday, May 22 - L.A. Clippers at San Antonio, TBD (TNT)

*Game 6 : Friday, May 25 - San Antonio at L.A. Clippers, TBD (ESPN)

*Game 7 : Sunday, May 27 - L.A. Clippers at San Antonio, TBD (TNT)

*If Necessary