Clippers vs. Spurs: X-Factors for Each Team in Game 2

In Game 1 of the 2012 Western Conference Semifinals, the San Antonio Spurs prevailed 108-92 over the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Spurs didn't play that great, yet they still blew out the Clippers. The Clippers need to win Game 2 if they want any chance in the series.

Here are the X-Factors for each team headed into the second game Thursday night:

Spurs - Boris Diaw

Everyone knows about the Spurs' big three in Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, and Tim Duncan. They have won many championships together and have a long history together.

But there's another player who stepped up in Game 1, forward Boris Diaw. In just 27 minutes of action, Diaw had a plus/minus of +24 with 12 rebounds, five assists, and three steals. 

Diaw came from nowhere to put up a remarkable Game 1 performance. In the last two games of the Utah series, Diaw made zero shots from the field. 

All his career Diaw has been a role player, but is now a starter with the No. 1 seeded San Antonio Spurs.

If Diaw can be more consistent, the Spurs are going to be hard to slow down.  

Clippers - Flopping

This season the Clippers have developed an identity, "Flop City," due to many of their star players flopping to draw a foul call. 

NBA commissioner David Stern has noticed an increase of flopping in the game, a practice he wants to eliminate.  

David Stern told ESPN,

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"I think it's time to look at (flopping) in a more serious way because it's only designed to fool the referee. It's not a legitimate play in my judgment. I recognize if there's contact (you) move a little bit, but some of this is acting. We should give out Oscars rather than MVP trophies."

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In the prior series the Grizzlies' Zac Randolph blasted the Clippers flopping.

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"It starts with Chris Paul, because Blake didn't really used to flop like that, you know, last year," Randolph said. "Reggie Evans flops, Reggie always flops. I think it started when Chris got (to the Clippers)."

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Now, the NBA is aware of the Clippers' blatant flopping during games. The officials are on the lookout for the Clippers flopping, a move Ginobili perfected earlier in his career.

The Clippers aren't going to be able to successfully flop in games anymore; they'll need to find different defensive strategies.

Their ability to fool and deceive the officials is an integral part of their game.