San Antonio Spurs thrash Los Angeles Clippers to lead series

The San Antonio Spurs have taken the lead in their first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers, thrashing their opponents 100-73 in game three to take a 2-1 advantage.

Tony Parker and Boris Diaw made sure that the defending champions got off to a bright start, putting the hosts nine points ahead by the end of the first quarter.

Chris Paul did enough in the second quarter to keep the Clippers in the game at half time, but Tiago Splitter and Tim Duncan made sure that the Spurs were building their lead again in the third.

Kawhi Leonard, who was named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year earlier this week, showed his offensive prowess, finishing with a post-season career-high 32 points.

Leading by 23 going into the final 12 minutes, Spurs rested their starters late on, allowing Aron Baynes and Cory Joseph to get some points on the board off the bench.

The two sides meet again in San Antonio on Sunday.