The King would still contribute 21 points, but was clearly having trouble hitting shots due to the injury (He sat for most of the whole second quarter). Meanwhile, the Spurs were on fire.
The lead at first became 11 points, but then climbed to 30 at one point (71-101). The Cavaliers went from shooting 37% at halftime to a modest 41% increase, far behind the 50%+ effort by San Antonio. Cleveland's percentage was not helped by Isaiah Thomas, despite hitting his first three-pointer, for his 4-15 shooting night. I.T. managed 10 points and 6 assists, but he also had four turnovers to help bury the Cavaliers into an 0-1 deficit.
The Spurs led 43-61 at halftime. Bismack Biyombo led the defensive dominance with 3 blocks, benefiting from Cleveland's poor shooting night with 14 rebounds. On a tremendous display of defense, several Spurs players combined for three blocks on one possession. On the other end of the court, yet another 3PTer splashed in for Spur-fection. Leonard would have just 12 points, resting for most of the second half once the blowout was underway.
Tony Parker and Mario Hezonja both had 11 points, but it was Pau Gasol's time to shine. He had 26 points on a masterful 11-15 shooting showcase, making 3 shots from long range as well to go with 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block and 2 steals. Patty Mills had a solid 18 points with 5 assists (four threes); Jeremy Lamb got his shot going from both mid-range and 3PT territory for 14 points; Josh Smith had 6 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. The Spurs shot 44% from 3PT range, whilst the Cavaliers committed 16 turnovers. San Antonio had a combined 20 steals and blocks on Cleveland. The Cavaliers ate this loss after making only 30% of their 3PT attempts. Kevin Love had just 10 points and 13 rebounds; Tristan Thompson had 12 rebounds. Jae Crowder had 11 points with 7 rebounds.