Tony Parker still has it (every once in a while)

It’s easy to forget that Tony Parker has been a clutch monster in the NBA because Tony Parker’s peak was roughly 10 years ago. He’s actually been a disappointment and cause for concern most of this season, despite the Spurs’ success. He’s the rare San Antonio legend who actually plays his age, unlike the immortal Tim Duncan or eternal Manu Ginobili.

There is no disappointment in him after the Spurs’ Game 6 closeout over the Grizzlies. Parker dropped 27 points on 11-14 shooting and hit two huge shots to give San Antonio the edge in a see-saw battle. Parker even outperformed Mike Conley, who admittedly had to deal with Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard defending him all night.

Memphis almost sent this sucker to seven: they had a 10-point lead at one point, but Kawhi, a youthful David Lee and Parker cinched things up late as the shots stopped falling for the Grizzlies. San Antonio draws Houston in the next round. The Spurs won the season series with the Rockets 3-1, but they were all close games. The I-10 series begins Monday night at the AT&T Center.

Raptors 92, Bucks 89 (TOR wins series 4-2)

Spurs 103, Grizzlies 96 (SAS wins series 4-2)

The Toronto Raptors, in the interest of ensuring their fans cannot even take a modicum of pleasure in a series-clinching win, gave away a 25-point in the second half as the Bucks took the lead late. (Milwaukee officially completed its comeback by taking the lead on a Jason Terry three. In the year 2017.) Toronto fought back to win the game and the series thanks to a dagger dunk and clutch free throws from DeMar DeRozan. The Raptors will face the Cavaliers beginning Monday.

And hey, the Toronto 905 won the D-League Championship on Thursday! Bruno Cabloco was amazing! Just two more years and he’ll be ready ...

Friday’s schedule:
Wizards at Hawks, 7:30 p.m. ET, NBA TV (WAS leads 3-2)
Celtics at Bulls, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN (BOS leads 3-2)
Clippers at Jazz, 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN (UTA leads 3-2)

A scheduling note: no games on Saturday.

How the Celtics hide Isaiah Thomas on defense.

I wrote an appreciation of those who volunteer to be put on posters by oncoming dunkers, inspired by Mike Muscala’s face.

Dwyane Wade shared that the Bulls didn’t have hot water in their locker room in Boston the other night. Brandon Jennings accuses the Celtics of doing that purposely. My take: who wants a hot shower after lots of physical activity? Though I suppose for bench guys who don’t play much ...

Oh, just Kevin Durant in the San Francisco Giants’ clubhouse with a plate of cupcakes. Nothing to see here.

Lee Jenkins on the real John Wall.

Nathaniel Friedman on what it means to root for Russell Westbrook.

Memphis has been one of the most consistent franchises in the NBA over the past seven years.

Along with the traditional awards, the NBA will be handing out some fan awards at their Drake-hosted party in late June. Among these: Best Dunk, Best Style, and Best Anti-League Pass Broadband Tweet.

Harvey Araton on Kristaps Porzingis and the Knicks’ bungling present and frightful future.

Bismack Biyombo, doing awesome things in the Middle East.