Spurs, Clippers race off blocks

Blake Griffin (right) of the Los Angeles Clippers slam dunks past Mason Plumlee of the Portland Trail Blazers in Game One of their NBA Western Conference quarter-final playoffs at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The Clippers won 115-95. (Photo: AFP)

The San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers both romped to easy home victories in a pair of NBA Western Conference playoff openers on Sunday.

Kawhi Leonard tallied 20 points as the Spurs routed the Memphis Grizzlies 106-74 to take a 1-0 lead in their best-of-seven series.

The Spurs dominated the middle two quarters but were especially effective in the final eight minutes of the third against the Grizzlies, who were led by 39-year-old journeyman Vince Carter.

In the night game, Chris Paul finished with 28 points and 11 assists as the Clippers pounded the Portland Trail Blazers 115-95.

LaMarcus Aldridge collected 17 points, Tony Parker and Patty Mills scored 15 points each for the Spurs and Kevin Martin added 10 points, all in the fourth quarter.

“This team understands we have a big goal. We have respect for Memphis. We have to keep that mindset and we will be OK,” said Parker.

Tim Duncan had seven points and 11 rebounds as San Antonio hit on 42 of its 81 shots (52 per cent), outrebounded the Grizzlies 44-35 and had nine blocked shots to Memphis’ three.