NBA – Spurs, Lakers and Thunder claim Wednesday wins (video)
SAN ANTONIO (NBA) - Normal service was restored on Wednesday night as the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers bounced back from Game 1 defeats to level their respective Western Conference playoff series against Memphis and New Orleans. Oklahoma City also rolled to a decisive 106-89 victory over Denver to claim a 2-0 lead in that tie. Top seeds ...
SAN ANTONIO (NBA) - Normal service was restored on Wednesday night as the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers bounced back from Game 1 defeats to level their respective Western Conference playoff series against Memphis and New Orleans.
Oklahoma City also rolled to a decisive 106-89 victory over Denver to claim a 2-0 lead in that tie.
Top seeds San Antonio, without Manu Ginobili in the opening game because of sprained right elbow, had the Argentinian back in the line-up for Game 2 and he responded with 17 points.
Ginobili, who had to wear a brace on his right arm, wasn't at his best on offense, making just five of 13 shots from the floor and seven of 13 at the free-throw line.
But on defense, he was excellent and finished with a game-high four steals.
"I don't care if he's in a body cast, he's going to be out there and he's going to be a handful to deal with," Memphis forward Shane Battier said.
"That's why he's a great player."
Tim Duncan scored 16 points, corralled 10 rebounds and blocked three shots for San Antonio while Memphis center Marc Gasol had 12 points and a game-high 17 rebounds along with two steals and a swat.
Gasol did struggle with his shooting, however, making just two of his nine attempts from the floor.
His brother, Pau, sank just two of 10 shots from the field and scored eight points but helped out on defense as the Lakers prevailed 87-78 over New Orleans.
Lakers forward Lamar Odom showed why he was the recipient of the NBA's Sixth Man award by hitting eight of his 12 shots to score 16 points and also pulling down seven boards and blocking a shot in 28 minutes.
Andrew Bynum, an injury concern before the playoffs, had 17 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks.
Ron Artest also chipped in 15 points for the Lakers, who got just 11 points from Kobe Bryant.
Trevor Ariza poured in 22 points and Chris Paul 20 in defeat.
The most valuable player at last summer's FIBA World Championship, Kevin Durant, had 23 points and his fellow Team USA star Russell Westbrook contributed 21 as the Thunder beat Denver by 17.
African big man Serge Ibaka, a man Spain are hoping to naturalise so he can play for their national team, had 12 points and 12 rebounds.
Check out the top five plays from Wednesday night's action
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