Matchups for the Ages - Spurs vs. Thunder Playoff Preview

[Keepin' it real]

I've long thought that the 2001 West Finals basically turned from a long drawn-out series into a very short one over a span of about 1 minute in the 4th quarter of Game 2. ... What could have been a close series changed in that minute and became one of the most lopsided series in conference finals history.

My goodness, I can't believe you brought up the most embarrassing moment of my life as a Spurs fan. To see them quit, just absolutely quit, was so painful and humiliating. Thanks for ruining 5 minutes of my afternoon.

[FromWayDowntown]

I thought the series was decided way earlier than that. The Spurs came out strong and built a decent lead in the first 5 minutes or so of game 1 and finally there looked like there was a team that was going to challenge those Lakers. Then Pop subbed DRob out and everything came crashing down and the Lakers went on a big run. At that moment I knew the series was unwinnable since David wasn't going to be able to play 43 minutes a night.

Undoubtedly the Lakers were the superior team. I'm not suggesting that the Spurs would have won the series had that minute or so of Game 2 gone differently.

I think, though, that one minute stretch of game time assured that it would be a sweep, rather than a 6 game series.

[Obstructed_View]

That 2001 series against the Lakers ended just before halftime of game 1 against the Mavericks, folks.

[TJastal]

I think this is going the full 7 games. Home court advantage will prevail in the end.

[OZWIN]

This is going to be an amazing series no doubt about it. I feel the Spurs have better coaching, the deeper team, and more experience. I say Spurs in six but each game will be a good one and I highly doubt there will be any blowouts.

[Spurs da champs]

I'd be reluctant to draw much from any of the games from this past regular season.

The first game, in early January, was the 3rd night of a back-to-back-to-back for the Thunder (they played Houston home-and-home before that game) and the 2nd night of a back-to-back for the Spurs (they beat Denver at home the night before).

The game played in SA was the 2nd night of a back-to-back for the Thunder (they had played Memphis at home the night before).

The second game played in OKC in mid-March was also the 2nd night of a back-to-back for the Thunder (they had played the night before in Denver).

Yeah don't take into account that Spurs didn't have Manu, Jack or Diaw.

[T Park]

Two more things OKC struggles with. High pick and rolls and good point guards.

*throws hands up *

[Dr. John R. Brinkley]

On paper OKC seems to have some slight advantages in matchups but we have depth, poise, home court, and we're already in their heads. I expect Westbrook to come out strong and overcompensate. In fact, I think Tony may bait him into trying to takeover. Between Westbrook, Durant, and Harden I think we are best equipped to defend Westbrook with Tony. If we can get West to take shots away from the other two, then I like our chances a lot more.

Not sure how we go about that, but I don't think we'll be able to stop Durant or harden, so it makes sense to pick our poison, limit transition, and make them play mistake-free ball, which isn't really their strength.

So in other words, we need to stick to our offense plan religously and be focused on D.

[Spurs Brazil]

This is going to be a very tough series but I think the Spurs will win in 6

I know Thunder like to play fast but in the 1st and 2nd round they played against teams who like slower paces. Let's see how they will adjust for us

[FromWayDowntown]

Yeah don't take into account that Spurs didn't have Manu, Jack or Diaw.

I'm perfectly aware of that.

Do you think teams, generally speaking, play their best ball on the second nights of back-to-backs?

[Cant_Be_Faded]

If Parker doesn't hit his mid range jumper, and manu remains ice cold from beyond the arc we are going to lose.
If they can hit their jump shots consistently we are going to win.

[Mr. Body]

When it comes down to the wire, when tears and sweat have been bled, the players finding new, last bits of energy to keep them going, and all they have is will, the OKC players will say this:

"We have another chance, there will be other years. It would be great to win now, but this is not the last time."

And the SAS players will say this:

"This may be the last chance, probably is, forever. We've won before, are proud, and want one more taste from the cup before it is out of reach forever."

And that will be the margin.

[TJastal]

On paper OKC seems to have some slight advantages in matchups but we have depth, poise, home court, and we're already in their heads. I expect Westbrook to come out strong and overcompensate. In fact, I think Tony may bait him into trying to takeover. Between Westbrook, Durant, and Harden I think we are best equipped to defend Westbrook with Tony. If we can get West to take shots away from the other two, then I like our chances a lot more.

Not sure how we go about that, but I don't think we'll be able to stop Durant or harden, so it makes sense to pick our poison, limit transition, and make them play mistake-free ball, which isn't really their strength.

So in other words, we need to stick to our offense plan religously and be focused on D.

With Leonard, Green & Jack all taking turns keeping Durant at bay I think it's Westbrook who is actually the bigger threat to go off. Too big and athletic for Tony and too quick for Green, I'm not sure who on the spurs is most qualified to slow him down. I think the key to slowing him down is making him shoot in his non-comfort zones (like Timvp's previous thread a few months ago laid out) and hope he shoots a low %.

[Spurs da champs]

I'm perfectly aware of that.

Do you think teams, generally speaking, play their best ball on the second nights of back-to-backs?

No but it defiantly does not hurt young teams as much as old teams.

[franceout]

so far I have not seen Jackson is significantly better than RJ, I hope he will show up in this series.

[Spurs da champs]

so far I have not seen Jackson is significantly better than RJ, I hope he will show up in this series.

I agree in regards to the Clipper series.

[franceout]

I agree in regards to the Clipper series.

well, the Jazz series are really pseudo playoff games.

[polandprzem]

Have you considered Diaw on Durant?

[timvp]

Have you considered Diaw on Durant?

No I gave up alcohol a couple years ago.

[EVAY]

It's going to be critical that Spurs hold serve the first two games. Let those kids steal one here and OKC is gonna be a madhouse.

This. Absolutely.

It is one of the reasons that I almost wish we had already put a close to the 'winning streak'. The first two games here in S.A. are not one that you want to lose. No way. Lose game 3 or 4, but the first two are super-critical.

I think this series goes the distance, and I hope we win it.

But this is a talented and hungry young team we are facing now. We will be challenged far more than we have to date.

[Yuixafun]

Thunder are probably more talented...
But it takes more than talent to win.

Which team is more skilled?

The Spurs make the most use of their abilities... harness their talent and release it in a focus controlled manner with deliberate intent. They also have enough basketball experience, instincts, intangibles and savvy... acumen.. that they can thrive in a chaotic environment and still find success. They bend but don't break.

I think if the Thunder can run free it will be a tough match, but if they are forced to execute execute execute... they will fail, because they are so reliant on their talent to win.

But maybe above all... Spurs fighting spirit > Thunder fighting spirit.

If the prowess of the teams were too far apart, then spirit alone could hardly overcome sheer ability, but when they are near in ability, then spirit alone is the difference.

[EVAY]

I thought that Duncan would have a HUGE series against the Clippers and he did, because their front line is not as good as many of the others we have faced, and they are not in the same league as Duncan in terms of experience and skill sets.

In this one, I still Duncan as far more experienced and with a wider skill set than anyone in their front line. Perkins is a terrifically strong defender, but I think Tim can get him in foul trouble without too much trouble. If they put Ibaka on Duncan, then Duncan takes him out to the elbow and shoots jump shots, freeing up the rim for our guards.

Ibaka will block shots, but so will Duncan. Ibaka is better than anyone on the Clippers team, but that is about it. Perkins can't grow between now and Sunday, and Ibaka doesn't have Duncan's experience. Collison is mediocre against most teams and is foul prone. I think Bonner will have a good time with Collison.

All of this says to me that Duncan should have another edge in this series not unlike he did in the last, and he should dominate.

Parker is smaller and not as physically strong as Westbrook. Manu is slighter than Harden and will have to use a lot of his experience to outwit him.

Of the big threes, then, to me, Duncan's match ups will be the easiest, and Parker and Manu will have harder times in their match-ups.

[Budkin]

Scott Brooks.

[Mugen]

I think OKC is going to have adjust to what the Spurs do a hell of a lot more than the other way around. Brooks' ability to make in-game & off-day adjustments is still unproven as best.

If the Spurs can keep their Big 3 from living at the foul line (which is something the Spurs excel at) and keep turnovers down (another Spur strength) then I just don't see how OKC has enough offensive firepower to keep up with the Spurs.

They are a poor executing team offensively (though i was impressed with their late game defense) and that really hurts when matching up against the best executing team in the league. Spurs are able to manafacture easy scores on a much more consistent basis than OKC, especially in the halfcourt.

Limit their easy points, limit our turnovers, and a steady diet of Tim and the high PnR.

Spurs in 6

[DesignatedT]

No I gave up alcohol a couple years ago.

[Budkin]

That 2001 series against the Lakers ended just before halftime of game 1 against the Mavericks, folks.

Agreed... losing Derek Anderson fucked our whole rotation badly.

[T Park]

so far I have not seen Jackson is significantly better than RJ, I hope he will show up in this series.

Funny stuff here.

[Budkin]

so far I have not seen Jackson is significantly better than RJ, I hope he will show up in this series.

Do you even watch Spurs games?

[slick'81]

lol now people bringing up rj

[Mugen]

Though, I'd like to add that I think Kevin Durant is the one guy in the league who has the talent AND willingness to effectively take over a series by himself.

I think he's the best player in the league, tbh.