timvp
01-13-2010, 05:04 PM
A day after toppling the Los Angeles Lakers, the San Antonio Spurs go out on the road to play the Oklahoma City Thunder in a game that promises to entertain. The up-and-coming Thunder were built using the Spurs model and they measure themselves in these matchups. The Spurs will have to play a good ballgame to come out victorious.
Keys to a Spurs Victory
1. Energy. The Spurs will likely have some fatigue, especially Tim Duncan who played 40 minutes against the Lakers. Pop needs to balance finding a lineup that is energetic with putting together a rotation that will allow for enough rest. Energy is especially important against this young Thunder squad.
2. Defending Kevin Durant. The Thunder's best player is turning into a superstar before our eyes. He's a long, tall fellow who's a born scorer. George Hill had some success against Durant earlier in the year; perhaps that matchup is worth investigating again.
3. Protect the rim. In recent games against the Spurs, the Thunder have thrown down seemingly dozens of dunks. Their quick, athletic jumping beans get in the lane quickly, so it's mandatory to make protecting the rim a priority. Limiting the dunks will also help keep the crowd out of the game.
Matchup to Watch
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/3527.jpg vs. http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/4141.jpg
With Tony Parker dealing with plantar fasciitis, you can count on the Thunder using Thabo Sefolosha against Parker for long stretches. Sefolosha has had success in the past against Parker by using his length to turn the Spurs point guard into a jump shooter. A slowed version of Parker could have loads of trouble trying to go up against one of the most underrated defenders in the NBA.
Inside the Numbers
Kevin Durant is averaging 32.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game in his last 11 outings, while shooting 57.4% from the field and hitting 93-of-109 free throw attempts. He's on fire, to say the least.
Did You Know?
The Spurs have lost three of their last four games against the Thunder. Prior to this streak, the Spurs had beaten the Thunder/Sonics eight out of the previous nine matchups.
Keys to a Spurs Victory
1. Energy. The Spurs will likely have some fatigue, especially Tim Duncan who played 40 minutes against the Lakers. Pop needs to balance finding a lineup that is energetic with putting together a rotation that will allow for enough rest. Energy is especially important against this young Thunder squad.
2. Defending Kevin Durant. The Thunder's best player is turning into a superstar before our eyes. He's a long, tall fellow who's a born scorer. George Hill had some success against Durant earlier in the year; perhaps that matchup is worth investigating again.
3. Protect the rim. In recent games against the Spurs, the Thunder have thrown down seemingly dozens of dunks. Their quick, athletic jumping beans get in the lane quickly, so it's mandatory to make protecting the rim a priority. Limiting the dunks will also help keep the crowd out of the game.
Matchup to Watch
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/3527.jpg vs. http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/4141.jpg
With Tony Parker dealing with plantar fasciitis, you can count on the Thunder using Thabo Sefolosha against Parker for long stretches. Sefolosha has had success in the past against Parker by using his length to turn the Spurs point guard into a jump shooter. A slowed version of Parker could have loads of trouble trying to go up against one of the most underrated defenders in the NBA.
Inside the Numbers
Kevin Durant is averaging 32.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game in his last 11 outings, while shooting 57.4% from the field and hitting 93-of-109 free throw attempts. He's on fire, to say the least.
Did You Know?
The Spurs have lost three of their last four games against the Thunder. Prior to this streak, the Spurs had beaten the Thunder/Sonics eight out of the previous nine matchups.