The San Antonio Spurs have opened up a 3-2 series lead over the Los Angeles Clippers after winning game five 111-107 at the Staples Center.
The Clippers made the most of their home advantage in the first quarter, with Blake Griffin adding a run of early shots to put the hosts five points ahead after the opening spell.
The defending champions edged in front for the first time midway through the second quarter after a couple of free throws from Patty Mills, but Chris Paul made sure that the Clippers held a narrow one-point lead at half time.
DeAndre Jordan helped the Clippers surge six points in front shortly after the restart, but Tony Parker and Tim Duncan soon turned it around, giving Spurs the lead by the same margin, before the teams headed into the fourth quarter level.
The lead continued to switch hands at the start of the final period, but Duncan and Boris Diaw managed to give San Antonio a seven-point gap inside the final four minutes.
Matt Barnes cut the gap to one point with just six seconds to go, but the visitors forced a few late free throws to allow them to put the win beyond doubt.
The Spurs will have a chance to secure the series win on Thursday, knowing that the winners of this series will face the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference semi-finals.
Sian Cowper
