Game 4 Grades: Spurs 102, Clippers 99

May 20, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan (21) is defended by Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) during game four of the Western Conference semifinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Matt Bonner, PF 16:15 MIN | 2-4 FG | 0-0 FT | 2 REB | 2 AST | 5 PTS | +3

Nothing to write home about. Although, he did execute a nice pump-fake and then netter a mid-range jumper. Grade: C-

Boris Diaw, PF 20:39 MIN | 0-3 FG | 2-4 FT | 5 REB | 1 AST | 2 PTS | +2

Clippers front court brought it. Diaw struggled to get anything going at the low block. Grade: C

Tim Duncan, C 30:09 MIN | 9-14 FG | 3-3 FT | 9 REB | 4 AST | 21 PTS | 0

Vintage Duncan capped off what has been impressive series for the Big Fundamental. He also added three swats. Grade: A+

Manu Ginobili, SG 29:15 MIN | 4-9 FG | 3-4 FT | 2 REB | 4 AST | 11 PTS | -3

John Hollinger brought this up on Twitter, and it is very true: Manu is rushing his shot. He needs to settle down and regain his composure for what should be one hell of a Spurs-Thunder series. Grade: B

Danny Green, G 29:32 MIN | 5-9 FG | 1-2 FT | 6 REB | 4 AST | 14 PTS | +10

With Green out on the court, Spurs really picked it up on the scoreboard. Green knocked down a few three’s and free throws that at the end of the day were crucial to completing the sweep. Grade: A-

Stephen Jackson, SG 15:14 MIN | 1-1 FG | 0-0 FT | 0 REB | 4 AST | 2 PTS | +1

Quiet game, although he did make a few nice passes tonight. Grade: C

Kawhi Leonard, SF 23:31 MIN | 2-5 FG | 1-1 FT | 5 REB | 1 AST | 5 PTS | +1

Not as big of a night for Kawhi, although he did get a clear shove from Caron Butler, and responded by hitting him back. I liked seeing some fire in him. Thankfully, he walked off immediately after and did not continue the scuffle any further. Grade: B-

Gary Neal, PG 14:17 MIN | 5-7 FG | 2-2 FT | 1 REB | 3 AST | 14 PTS | +3

Whether he was cutting in the lane or pulling up a three ball, solid outing for Neal. Thought for a minute we were going to need another Neal game-tying shot at the end of regulation, but the Spurs escaped thanks to a failed attempt by Chris Paul. Grade: B+

Tony Parker, PG 37:09 MIN | 5-13 FG | 7-9 FT | 3 REB | 5 AST | 17 PTS | -2

The Clips guards brought it, but Parker was the one getting the job done. He made critical shots from the charity stripe all night, and helped get this team out of a small hole they dug when they let the Clippers gain momentum. Grade: B+

Tiago Splitter, C 23:59 MIN | 5-7 FG | 1-2 FT | 7 REB | 0 AST | 11 PTS | 0

He truly is developing in to a really good post player. He is nearly automatic close to the basket, and added a nasty swat tonight. Splitter should be feeling good he no longer has to worry about Griffin or Jordan anymore. Up next for him may not be as challenging. Grade: B-

Conclusion. San Antonio brought out the brooms, tonight. It was a very physical game, reminiscent of the Clippers/Grizzlies series. However, the Spurs were the ones victorious and have a few days off before facing more-than-likely the Thunder. Los Angeles put up a good fight, but no back-to-back or “Lob City” antics could keep the Spurs from advancing to the Western Conference Finals.