The Thunder are clearly the better team, BUT...

[TDfan2007]

We already stole 2 games and now have home court in a best of 3 series. This is still very much a series, not simply a hospice for our aging big 3.

1) Start the game with these guys:
Parker Green Leonard Diaw Duncan

2) Bring these guys off the bench:
Ginobili Splitter Joseph

3) Leave these guys in Oklahoma:
Belli Errors Mills

4) Play with passion, composure, and trust.

If the Spurs can follow these steps, then game 5 should be interesting. Otherwise, another embarrassment is likely.

[dbreiden83080]

I don't think they are clearly better I think we have played like pussies the last 2 games. We have weapons where they don't and vice versa.. The teams are close..

[Horry Hipcheck]

Agree that Diaw needs to start. Splitter isn't designed for this series apparently and putting him and TD on the floor simultaneously at the onset isn't working. Diaw has shown flashes of brilliance with his strength down low and that needs to continue. He also needs to hit his damn threes to spread OKC out.

Game 4 was defined by OKC's huge advantages on hustle stats like steals and blocks. Nobody outside of Westbrook and KD did much of anything offensively, something that usually spells a Spurs victory. But they were so tenacious on D and the Spurs were so physically manhandled that it didn't matter. That's gonna have to change.

[crc21209]

I don't think they are clearly better I think we have played like pussies the last 2 games. We have weapons where they don't and vice versa.. The teams are close..

This. The Thunder are not the better overall team. They may have a couple of the best overall players in the series, but overall the better team? No...

[chrhawk]

I think the Spurs have a great shot at winning Game 6 if they win Game 5. It will put all the pressure on OKC and hopefully it will allow the Spurs to play more loose since it's already been pre-determined that the Spurs won't win a road game in this series due to their last several performances in OKC.

But it all starts with a win tomorrow.

[Skull-1]

Refs will screw us eventually.

[Knoxxx]

Refs will screw us eventually.

We just gettin beat dude, sorry to break it to ya

[Skull-1]

We just gettin beat dude, sorry to break it to ya

No. We are getting taken out of our rhythm via bullsh-t calls just like in 2012.

If they're better than us it isn't 20 points better for damned sure.

[Knoxxx]

No. We are getting taken out of our rhythm via bullsh-t calls just like in 2012.

If they're better than us it isn't 20 points better for damned sure.

I don't think they won either game by 20 who's counting. With a clearly 100% healthy Ibaka they underhandedly sprung on us, they are easily 10+ point better than us in OKC regardless of reffing. Sorry to break that to ya

[Chief]

lol @ leave these guys in Oklahaoma

We already stole 2 games and now have home court in a best of 3 series. This is still very much a series, not simply a hospice for our aging big 3.

1) Start the game with these guys:
Parker Green Leonard Diaw Duncan

2) Bring these guys off the bench:
Ginobili Splitter Joseph

3) Leave these guys in Oklahoma:
Belli Errors Mills

4) Play with passion, composure, and trust.

If the Spurs can follow these steps, then game 5 should be interesting. Otherwise, another embarrassment is likely.

[benfti]

I get the sneaky suspicion that one of Belli or Mills is going to go off this game.

[hsxvvd]

They have the superstars but we are by far a better team. Unfortunately, the NBA loves it's Superstars and couldn't give a fuck about the team game.

Nor will Tony Brothers.

[Skull-1]

I don't think they won either game by 20 who's counting. With a clearly 100% healthy Ibaka they underhandedly sprung on us, they are easily 10+ point better than us in OKC regardless of reffing. Sorry to break that to ya


They were up by 26 in Game 4 and in Game 3 by a similar amount. They're maybe an average of 5 points better at best without ref help. "Sorry to break it to ya'."

[DarrinS]

I get the sneaky suspicion that one of Belli or Mills is going to go off this game.

They don't need to go off, just contribute.

I see Danny having a good game --- he seems to play so much better at home.

[DD]

The series would be 3-1 if Ibaka was healthy for the whole thing, so OP is right that they're better.

[hitmantb]

It is extremely extremely rare to beat a team that has the two best players in the series by a huge margin.

I can only remember Pistons vs Kobe/Shaq Lakers, but that Pistons team had 4 all-stars (zero superstars) in their primes.

Talent gap between Spurs/Thunder is huge. Coaching/teamwork only works if the other team lack it completely. Both teams playing at peak level, Spurs can not win. Margin of error is too small.

[Horse]

They are not clearly the better team keep me off the line limit fast break pts and they aren't shit. By the way they do these things for one reason the refs

[G-Dawgg]

They may have the superstars, but the Spurs are better team as a collective. We just need everybody to play with confidence, hit the shots they normally hit, and not turn the ball over. Simple.

[RD2191]

We are a much better team. We just need everybody to play with confidence and hit the shots they normally hit, and not turn the ball over. Simple.
:lol

[G-Dawgg]

I edited my original post..

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

The series would be 3-1 if Ibaka was healthy for the whole thing, so OP is right that they're better.
well that's like, um, like, your opinion, man

[doobs]

Tonight is going to be a Spurs blowout win. Lots of three pointers and layups and beautiful ball movement. Just to prove to you pussies that the Spurs are a better team than OKC, with or without Ibaka.

[TampaDude]

Tonight is going to be a Spurs blowout win. Lots of three pointers and layups and beautiful ball movement. Just to prove to you pussies that the Spurs are a better team than OKC, with or without Ibaka.

Uh, nope...

[BC3]

Tonight is going to be a Spurs blowout win. Lots of three pointers and layups and beautiful ball movement. Just to prove to you pussies that the Spurs are a better team than OKC, with or without Ibaka.
even with tony brothers refing?

[Boomersgold]

:lol
We're the better 'team'. They're more the more talented team.

[AztecSpur]

Yes they are clearly superior athletes in the paint with blocking and jumping ability. I think our only chance is if our wings get hot.

[doobs]

Uh, nope...

Uh, yep...

[Arcadian]

Spurs are clearly the better team.

[thiste]

The Spurs are hands down the best team in the NBA. OKC has several players that are younger, stronger than ours, a couple who are extremely good shooters as well, and they use their athleticism to bully our players and get wins, but the best team? No question which one that is.

[exstatic]

Not only can't they win in our building, they haven't even given us a game. It'll be in their heads next game. If we keep it close, they may fold.

[koriwhat]

i wish all these fair weather fans would get the fuck out of here already! fuck off you wannabe okcspurs fans!

[benfti]

With Ibaka still smashed em, we are better no doubt.

[313]

Tonight is going to be a Spurs blowout win. Lots of three pointers and layups and beautiful ball movement. Just to prove to you pussies that the Spurs are a better team than OKC, with or without Ibaka.
good call

[Virgil]

http://www.shoemycolor.com/media/wysiwyg/Bye-Bye-2012.jpg