The Nuggets and Grizzlies scare me more than the Thunder, tbh

[thunderup]

It doesn't make a difference..

Miami played a 7-game series against Boston and a grueling 6-game series vs. Indiana, yet they completely destroyed OKC in the Finals, after the Thunder had an easy 1st and 2nd round..

Off the top of my head, the 2008 Celtics went through 2 7-game series' and a 6-game series, yet they completely dominated the Lakers, despite LA having a cakewalk to the Finals..

I have never heard of a team losing in the Finals because their road to the series was more difficult than the opposing Finals participant..

The content in this post leads to another argument altogether for another day.

That said, do you honestly believe teams in the east are equipped to challenge Miami past 5 games? Indiana has a small chance of getting a potential series to 6 games but even then that's in no way comparable to the drain that will come with having to face any team in the top 5. You know this, I know this, everybody knows this, partner

[thunderup]

If the Heat play in a series against any ECF team not named Indiana that goes past 5 games, attribute that to "coasting". The Heat coasted last year throughout the playoffs only to play like gods when they dug themselves a big enough hole to be ousted or close to being ousted. These are facts that are indisputable any way yall spin it.

[crc21209]

Thunder trying to act like a humble fan and saying the Spurs will beat the Thunder now.. Nice anti-jinx try...

[thunderup]

Thunder trying to act like a humble fan and saying the Spurs will beat the Thunder now.. Nice anti-jinx try...

[jestersmash]

I think it will all really depend on how Duncan ends up playing. As of the last 2 or 3 games he's shown flashes of getting back to that all nba caliber player he was to begin the season. Overall his play in March has been really spectacular after a poor showing in February.

30 points on 13-19 shooting, 28 points on 12-20 (with a handful of rebounds/blocks to boot) in the last 2 games. We'll need a reliable second option for when Sefalosha slows Parker down.

[hooperflash]

I like the term ”concern” over the words ”scared” & ”worry”. Actually scratch that, let's win us the 5th chip already damn!

[KaiRMD1]

Memphis scares me more than Denver, Spurs can shut that running down and then Denver is ed. Although when JaVale wears a helmet is when they are on another level

[spurraider21]

Denver is a regular season team, tbh..

Their half-court offense is mediocre, they can't shoot, their bigs are hustle guys that are exploitable on both ends, and they don't have a star player..

They are a team that lives and dies by the fast break..I would expect Pop to successfully strategize against a team with an abundance of flaws..

Memphis isn't a scary team..Z-Bo isn't as good as he was in 2011, they don't have any other consistent shot-creators, the Spurs are better than 2011 and they should have revenge on their minds, tbh..

OKC is still the roadblock..Durant + Westbrook + refs + Ibaka/Collison/Perkins automatic jump shots against the Spurs is still scary..

well said

[rascal]

The Spurs may not even get past the Lakers if they meet a healthy laker team.

[KL2]

considering OKC has Durant and a proven TP-defender in Thabo, I still see them as the biggest road block.

I think that may change thanks to Kawhi, Durant tried guarding him a few times in the OKC game but was far too slow, Sef did too but with no luck. If Kawhi is knocking shots down it changes everything.

[KL2]

And Lakers

[Seventyniner]

The Thunder are still at the top of my fear list in the West. All the last few weeks have done is move Denver to #2 and Memphis to #3, pushing the Clippers (my former #2) down to #4.

[George Gervin's Afro]

The Thunder are still the biggest threat to the Spurs in the West, but the more I watch them the less scary they look.

For some weird reason, I just don't find Durant a scary prospect. Obviously he's the second best player in the league, but there's something about him that I feel the Spurs can contain as long as the refs let the Spurs play.

Now Harden on the other hand I still have nightmares about. When we played the Rockets earlier in the season I was worried any time he had the ball. He effortlessly glides in to the lane and either scores, gets fouled or both. Must be how other teams feel playing against Manu tbh.

I find Durant an extremely scary prospect..dude can get his shot whenever he wants..

[Richie]

I find Durant an extremely scary prospect..dude can get his shot whenever he wants..

True, but I feel I can live with Durant making or missing contested mid range jump shots on ISO plays as long as he's not driving for layups or kicking out to open shooters.

[Strategic]

OKC doesn't worry me these days as much as Denver.

Splitter has gone from "I can't shoot FTs so my offensive game is shot" to "I'm gonna post Ibaka up with impunity".

This!

I think Tiago's health is key for the Spurs if a series with the Thunder happens. I don't think the Griz have enough depth, I too am concerned with the Nuggets winning ways.

[Old School 44]

I find Durant an extremely scary prospect..dude can get his shot whenever he wants..

That's assuming Westbrook will pass it to him.

[ThaBigFundamental21]

I live in Colorado and I get to see Denver a lot. Denver is good, young, and athletic. Their streak is impressive. They have knocked off some good teams. That being said, they are young, and play no Defense. They are forced into dumb mistakes. They have no backup plan for when their Offense breaks down and they are not aloud to run. They have no half court Offense to speak of, and we all know the game will slow down come playoff time. I see the Spurs eating the Nuggets alive come playoff time.

[Spur|n|Austin]

You guys will handle us in six games regardless of the officiating. Without the beard to bail us out we aren't going anywhere this year.

I'll never understand that trade..

[Horse]

First of all Manu was hurt in that series. Second do you think this team is anything like the one that lost to the grizz? 3rd denver it is their destiny to lose to us in the playoffs end of story.

[EricB]

considering OKC has Durant and a proven TP-defender in Thabo, I still see them as the biggest road block.

With no Harden to guard Ginobili, OKC can't play that card anymore.

[Captivus]

Isaiah talking about Denver fastbreak.

http://watch.nba.com/nba/video/chann...-fastbreak.nba

[SpurPadre]

First of all Manu was hurt in that series. Second do you think this team is anything like the one that lost to the grizz? 3rd denver it is their destiny to lose to us in the playoffs end of story.

Hate to break it to you but a one-armed Manu in '11 is better than a healthy '13 Manu, tbh. Second, we struggle against teams that have a good frontline. 3rd, if you feel that way, then can you offer solid reasons why Denver won't pose so much as a challenge in your view? Do they a have a super-athletic frontcourt? Yes. Do they have depth from top to bottom? Yes. Do they rebound the ball? They're 2nd best in that area. Yes, their team defense isn't that good but facing them in the playoffs would be no picnic by any means.

[look_at_g_shred]

Hate to break it to you but a one-armed Manu in '11 is better than a healthy '13 Manu, tbh. Second, we struggle against teams that have a good frontline. 3rd, if you feel that way, then can you offer solid reasons why Denver won't pose so much as a challenge in your view? Do they a have a super-athletic frontcourt? Yes. Do they have depth from top to bottom? Yes. Do they rebound the ball? They're 2nd best in that area. Yes, their team defense isn't that good but facing them in the playoffs would be no picnic by any means.

Denver's run and gun offense will crumble in the playoffs where the game turns into a half court one. Oh and you have to be kidding about 2011 Manu. I'll take a healthy Manu anytime. Sure the guy is in a rut right now, but when the Playoffs come, he'll be ready and his poor play as of late will merely be a slight reflection in the rear view mirror.

[TheGoldStandard]

For the most part the west is filled with parity so its conceivable that Memphis, LA, Denver the other LA team and OKC can win a game or two against the Spurs in the playoffs but when we're healthy there is not another team in the west that will beat us in a 7 game series.

[Johnny RIngo]

Harlem basically all over this terrible thread. Nuggets have been bounced out of the first round, what six or seven times the past decade? Grizzlies are good but the Spurs have improved a lot since 2011. SA's like 6-1 against the Grizzlies ever since, the only loss coming in an overtime game in Memphis. The Thunder will always be the team to beat to get to the Finals.