NBA Summer League: Spurs having their way in Vegas

By Quixem Ramirez
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May 17, 2012; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Eric Bledsoe (12) passes the ball against San Antonio Spurs guard Gary Neal (center) and forward Matt Bonner (right) during the first half in game two of the Western Conference semifinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at the AT

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San Antonio Spurs (2-0) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (0-1)Time: 9 p.m.TV: NBA TVVenue: Cox Pavillion

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The Spurs have had a lot of success in their last three trips to Vegas, as they’ve won 10 of 12 games.

This year the headliner has been Kawhi Leonard whose averaged 25 points, six rebounds, three assists and 47.2% shooting in two convincing Spurs victories. Only Damian Lillard, Dominique Jones and Josh Shelby have higher scoring averages.

Leonard’s prescence on this team is undeniable. He’s a step ahead of everyone which is to be expected for a guy who started in the Western Conference Finals.

Other notable performers include Cory Joseph, James Anderson and Tyler Wilkerson. Ryan Richards has remained intriguing as usual but he didn’t receive much time against the Lakers.

The Spurs’ roster as talented as it is likely won’t produce any immediate NBA talent — excluding Leonard of course. But playing well in one of the most successful programs isn’t a bad place to start.

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Some Clippers of note to watch tonight:

Eric Bledsoe– The diminutive point guard out of Kentucky made significant strides in the 2012 postseason. He posted the highest one-year-adjusted +/- (+20.76) in addition to a pristine 22.2 PER. While creating a backcourt duo of Chris Paul and Bledsoe doesn’t make sense theoretically; Bledsoe’ defensive tenacity and adept cutting made the configuration, not only slightly successful, but immensely so. In his first Summer League game, he created five steals.

Trey Thompkins– The Clippers hope he develops enough to provide depth behind Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. The Clippers’ fatal flaw was their inability to manufacture positive lineups without Griffin or Jordan. Thompkins is agile and athletic — which fit synonymously with the incumbents. Thompkins earned the start on Monday yet he only garnered 12 minutes. He was productive in that time frame, totaling seven points and seven rebounds.

Terrico White– Atheltic combo guard who can score with ease. His problem is his size which is one of then most prevalent problems in Summer League. (*cough* Marcus Denmon *cough*). He didn’t start against Minnesota but he played well enough to log 28 minutes and score 16 points, which led the team.

Adam Morrison– Ahhh. The memories.

* Hunter (Achilles) and Leslie (strained left calf) were ruled out of Summer League.

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