Clippers vs. Spurs: Game 2 Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Analysis

The Los Angeles Clippers stuck around for part of Game 2, but the San Antonio Spurs once again proved how impressive they are as a team, rolling to a 105-88 Game 3 victory to take the 2-0 series lead in their Western Conference semifinals.

San Antonio got out to a big early lead before the Clips valiantly fought back and pulled within four at halftime. 

Of course, the game showed why basketball is a game of runs after San Antonio jumped out to yet another big lead in the third quarter and never looked back.

Let's take a closer look at Game 2's action and result. 

Video Highlights

Off a second-quarter turnover by Chris Paul, the Spurs got into transition and showed why they can be so effective when running the break:

Yes, that's right. Stephen Jackson to Tiago Splitter, and it was still an effective fast break. Impressive.

Of course, the Spurs weren't dominant on offense the whole game. Randy Foye got things started with this impressive block on Tony Parker:

Twitter Reaction

The NBA Guru reminds us how deep and how talented this Spurs team actually is:

"

Spurs are just a machine. You may be able to mess with one of their parts, but it takes more than that to deconstruct them.

— NBA Guru (@NBAGuru) May 18, 2012"

Not only are they a machine, but they are also a well-oiled machine. When this team is on, it is scary good. 

In the second quarter, Grantland's Sebastian Pruiti pointed out just how "old school" Tim Duncan truly is:

"

I don't believe that Tim Duncan texts...I don't even believe he has a cell phone

— SebastianPruiti (@SebastianPruiti) May 18, 2012"

At halftime, Jose 3030 realized something odd about the scoreboard. It appeared they weren't keeping score at all, just counting the insane number of flops, a common theme during these playoffs:

"

Spurs 46 Flops - Clippers 42 Flops.Halftime.No score to this game, just flops.

— 3030 (@jose3030) May 18, 2012"

Charlotte Bobcats beat writer Rick Bonnell noticed how aggressive and uh, "fouly," the Clippers got. Unfortunately for L.A., it was too late.

"

Somebody told the Clippers it's time to get chippy. Too late.

— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) May 18, 2012"

And finally, Not Bill Walton raises a very, very interesting question:

"

If the Spurs somehow win the title this year, does that make Tim Duncan, and not Kobe, the best player of his generation?

— Not Bill Walton (@NotBillWalton) May 18, 2012"

Grades for Key Clippers Players

Chris Paul: C-

Paul just didn't have a very good game. Give credit to the Spurs for hounding him all night, but CP3 just never got comfortable on offense.

That resulted in a porous eight turnovers to just five assists. Sure, he added 10 points and two steals, but it was not a good game for Paul. He needs to turn it around in Los Angeles for the Clips to have any shot at making it a series.

Blake Griffin: C+

Griffin looked good on offense, hitting jumpers and actually displaying a couple of nice post moves. That resulted in 20 points, which led the team, but he didn't do much else.

One rebound in 37 minutes? That's not good. Griffin's sore knee must really be bothering him, because he wasn't his normal aggressive self on the glass. Much like Paul, he has to be better. 

Grades for Key Spurs Players

Tony Parker: A-

I'm docking him just a bit because he didn't shoot the ball very well, but everything else Parker did was near perfect.

He racked up 22 points to go with five rebounds, five assists and three steals. Not only did he fill up the stat sheet, but he also played very solid defense on Chris Paul and forced him into a very poor game. 

Tim Duncan: A

Another vintage Tim Duncan performance. He scored out of the post, he hit mid-range jumpers, he played solid defense, he ran the break (seriously), and he even made a couple fancy passes.

It was a joy to watch.

The Big Fundamental finished with 18 points on 9-of-14 shooting, five rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Deciding Factor: Spurs' Offensive Execution

The Clippers kept making solid comebacks and stayed within striking range, but the Spurs were simply too good on offense.

There were instances in the second quarter when San Antonio became stagnant and in turn missed open shots. At the point, the Clips fought back into it.

But when San Antonio drives and kicks and swings the ball for open shots, it is simply unstoppable on that end of the court. The Spurs started doing that in the second half, and that's what won this game. 

Overall, they shot 53.2 percent from the field, but that impressive number was even higher in the second half. 

Game MVP: No one

It just wouldn't be San Antonio's style to have one player singled out as an MVP. 

Parker was great, Duncan was great, Boris Diaw had 16 points without a missed shot, Danny Green knocked down four three-pointers, Manu Ginobili had a good first half, Kawhi Leonard played solid defense. 

Everyone contributed in their own way.

The Spurs are the epitome of a balanced team, and you should expect more all-around performances from their countless role players as the playoffs roll on.

What's Next: Game 3

The Spurs and Clippers travel to Los Angeles for Game 3, which takes place on Saturday, May 17, at 3:30 p.m. EDT.