San Antonio pulls away late to take 3-0 series lead

Spurs took a 3-0 lead in their first round series against the Grizzlies on Friday, beating the 96-87 in a game that was closer than the previous two blowouts but still ended with the results we expected.

Memphis did well to hang in the game against San Antonio, trailing by one point at halftime and briefly jumping ahead in the third quarter. The Spurs wouldn't let a tragically depleted Grizzlies roster actually pose a threat to sneak out a win and force an unnecessary Game 5, though. A Kawhi Leonard corner three with just under a minute to play sealed the game after it bounced around the rim, hit the backboard and then fell back in.

Leonard led the way for the Spurs, scoring 32 points on 11-of-22 shooting while knocking down six of his nine triples. He did play 42 minutes, but it happened while Tim Duncanran out there for just 14. In this series, clearly Gregg Popovich knows that all Duncan needs to do is stay loose and engaged. There's no need to expend him for any real cause.

The rest of the starters also played smaller doses, with Tony Parker finishing with 24 minutes played while Manu Ginobili played 27. The Spurs will be well-rested for their probably second-round series against the Thunder, who in turn have had to face the relentless Mavericks instead of the sad Grizzlies.

1. Respect to the Grizzlies

This is what their injury lists looks like this season, just as a reminder.

Memphis had so many injuries that 28 people played for them this season. And this team, missing Marc Gasol, Mike Conley and more, trailed the Spurs by just three points with three minutes left in the game.

Look, there's not much to say. San Antonio was going to win this series. Kudos to Memphis for making this game tricky after a couple blowouts, even if it didn't matter on the final scoreboard.

2. Marvel at Kawhi Leonard's defensive abilities

Wanna watch Kawhi Leonard swallow a basketball pass? You're welcome.

Leonard was great on the other end, too, scoring several big buckets down the stretch for the Spurs to seal their win against Memphis. But mostly, we just like watching in awe as Leonard destroys opposing players when they have the ball in their hand.

3. Let's get this series over with

This isn't fun or fair to the Grizzlies, who were a good team ravaged with impossible injuries. This isn't fun or productive for the Spurs, who are one of the NBA's best teams and have been burdened with beating Memphis rather than facing a real opponent that could actually cause them trouble. Game 4 comes on Sunday and mercifully, that series can then come to an end.