Spurs Dig In Early, Rip Clippers, 128-98

David Robinson had 24 points, 13 rebounds and seven blocked shots in fewer than three quarters as the San Antonio Spurs scored a 128-98 victory over the Clippers Tuesday night.

Robinson had 13 points in the game’s first 10 minutes--matching the Clippers’ team total to that point. He did not play in the fourth quarter.

Sean Elliott added 17 points and Terry Cummings, David Greenwood and Sean Higgins had 15 apiece for the Spurs.

Reserve Loy Vaught led the Clippers with 17 points, 15 in the final quarter. Jeff Martin added 15 and Charles Smith was the top-scoring starter with 10 points.

The victory kept alive San Antonio’s chance of matching its franchise mark of 56 victories. The Spurs (53-26) will play at Houston Thursday and Denver Friday and will close the season against Dallas at home Sunday.

The Spurs, who began the night one game ahead of the Utah Jazz and the Houston Rockets for the Midwest Division lead, dominated the Clippers from the onset.

San Antonio shot 58% in the first quarter to take a 38-20 lead. The Spurs extended the lead to as many as 29 points in the second quarter and led, 65-38, at halftime.

The lead grew to as many as 39 points during the third quarter before the Spurs emptied their bench. Willie Anderson was the only starter to play in the final quarter.

The Clippers’ Danny Manning was ejected with 3:49 left before halftime after receiving two technicals for arguing a foul called against him.

“The fact they had to win this game really showed quickly,” Clipper Coach Mike Shuler said.

“It seems like we packed up our tents early and went home.”

Said Elliott: “It was important for us to establish the tempo early. It’s down the stretch of the end of the season and we can’t afford to let anything get away.”

Anderson said two losses to the Clippers at the Sports Arena this season was added incentive for the Spurs.

“They embarrassed us on their court, and we had to make a statement,” Anderson said.

“By getting the big lead early, it gave the starters a chance to rest up in the second half. I think that’s important going into Houston.”

Robinson said sitting out most of the second half was “a pleasant change for us. The division race is in our hands. It puts a little pressure on us, but I think this team needs that sometimes.”