NBA Playoffs: Spurs Cruise in Game 1 of West Finals

Manu Ginobili had 23 points, 10 assists and four boards for the Spurs.

Salem-News.com SPORTS

SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Spurs sure didn’t need any rest to start the Western Conference Finals.

After eliminating the Phoenix Suns on Friday in the semifinals, the Spurs picked up right where they left off with a 108-100 Game 1 triumph over the Utah Jazz on Sunday.

Tim Duncan racked up 27 points and 10 rebounds for San Antonio, which shot 66 percent from the floor in the first half and led by as many as 19 in the game. Manu Ginobili added 23 points, 10 assists and four boards.

The Jazz, who had not played since their series-clinching win over the Warriors on Tuesday, never got into a rhythm until the fourth quarter, where they outscored the Spurs by eight (38-30) and pulled within seven with less than three minutes remaining.

Deron Williams erupted for 34 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, while Carlos Boozer chipped in with 20 points.

Utah, which is in the West Finals for the first time since 1998, has not won in San Antonio (regular season or postseason) since 1999.

Hoping to knot the series at a game apiece, the Jazz will visit the Spurs for Game 2 on Tuesday at 9:00 PM ET on ESPN.

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