NBA Playoffs 2014 – Spurs vs. Mavericks Game 5 Score, Results & Recap

The San Antonio Spurs are leading the first round of the NBA Playoffs series 3-2 after beating the Dallas Mavericks on April 30, with a final score of 109-103. The Spurs played excellent offense and never trailed in the game.

According to Bleacher Report, Tiago Splitter had 17 points, his career high in the playoffs, and added 12 rebounds. Tony Parker scored a team-high 23 points and added five assists. Manu Ginobili scored 12 points, while Leonard scored 11 points and had five rebounds. Tim Duncan had a double-double with 16 points, three blocks and 12 rebounds.

In an article by ESPN, Duncan revealed that he told Parker that the situation was perfect for the latter. "This is what he does in situations like this where he doesn't get a lot of sleep or is in a stressful situation. He always seems to play better. I somewhat expected it from him." Parker shared that he was excited that his son came to watch the game.

The Mavericks played without DeJuan Blair, who was suspended for kicking Splitter in the head in Game 4. Samuel Dalembert also suffered an ankle injury during the game. Vince Carter led Dallas in points with 14 during the first half and 28 points overall. Nowitzki scored 26 points. Notably, the Mavericks shot fairly with 42.9 percent from the three-point arc and only had a total of eight turnovers.

The Spurs made up for their lack of defense by shooting 50 percent from the three-point arc and 46.6 from the field. They also had had five turnovers. One of their key strategies involved putting Dirk Nowitzki in uncomfortable positions and used Duncan and Splitter to take advantage of the paint. The Spurs also made sure that their passing lanes were open. Assists were a crucial part of their play and they continued to pound on Dallas' weak defense, especially during the first half, writes Sports Illustrated.

With only three minutes left on the clock, Carter brought the Mavs up to close the gap 98-94. Parker, however, dashed all remaining hopes when he shot one from the three-point range.

The two teams are set to face off for Game 6 in Dallas on May 2, 2014.