A HAND IN SPURS’ VICTORY
Green steps up, San Antonio prevails in overtime to gain edge in series with Rockets.
San Antonio’s Manu Ginobili blocks a shot attempt by Houston’s James Harden at the buzzer in overtime, and the Spurs, despite a triple-double by Harden, hang on to win, 110-107, and take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference semifinals.
SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs were in a tough spot after Kawhi Leonard hurt his ankle in the second half.
That’s when Danny Green and the Spurs’ supporting cast stepped up.
Green scored seven of his 16 points in overtime, helping San Antonio top James Harden and the Houston Rockets 110-107 on Tuesday night to take a 3-2 lead in their second-round playoff series.
Harden had 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. He had a chance at a potential tying three-pointer in the final seconds of OT, but was blocked from behind by Manu Ginobili.
“I remember saying to a couple of the guys [that]this is what we live for, these moments, to play in these situations,” Spurs guard Patty Mills said. “The diving on loose balls, coming up with whatever it may be, you’re throwing your body on the line in those situations.”
Leonard had 22 points and 15 rebounds in 38 minutes before exiting with an injured right ankle. He stepped on Harden’s foot while running back in transition with 5 minutes 37 seconds left in the third quarter and played limited minutes before sitting out overtime.
He said he will play in Game 6 on Thursday.
Green made a go-ahead three-pointer and converted a three-point play to make it 109-107 Spurs with 30.1 seconds left. He also made a foul shot down the stretch to help San Antonio hold on.
“I think we all made a decision to be aggressive,” Green said of Leonard’s absence, “regardless of what was going to happen.”
Two questionable plays closed regulation with the game tied at 101.
Harden was whistled for a charge after dribbling all but a few seconds off the shot clock before driving to the basket on Jonathon Simmons. The Spurs failed to take a shot on their final possession.
Harden also played solid defense, helping hold Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge to 15-for-42 shooting as he rotated assignments in Houston’s smaller lineup.
But the defensive effort and facilitating Houston’s offense appeared to take a toll on Harden. He had four points on one-for-six shooting and four turnovers in the final five minutes of regulation and overtime. Harden, who finished with nine turnovers, said he was not fatigued despite playing 43 minutes.