On to the 2nd Rd: Spurs/OKC

[cd98]

Ibaka had knee surgery in the 2014 off season, after the cheap shot by Chris Paul took him out of the first two playoff games against the Spurs that year. Very mysterious, because there STILL has never been any information as to whether it was an ACL or MCL or what, or who did the surgery.

But it seems to me his problems are mental (I've chalked it up to the breakup with Keri Hilson). He doesn't like spotting up in the corner on offense, and he lets it effect his entire game. I don't think it's physical, because he has flashes, or halves of games or every other game where he's all over the place blocking shots and dunking and shooting that sweet 15 foot jumper...... and then he is totally disengaged and invisible for halves or full games (like game 5 against Dallas last night).

But Serge is the key to the Thunder's chances to beat the Spurs, IMO. He is just SOOOOO inconsistent.

How come Ibaka hasn't developed a back to the basket move or a face up move? He seems a little lazy in his development. Seems like he only works on extending his range, which makes him a de facto jump shooter.

[Jimmy Early]

How come Ibaka hasn't developed a back to the basket move or a face up move? He seems a little lazy in his development. Seems like he only works on extending his range, which makes him a de facto jump shooter.

That's just not his game. He has tried, and the coach's have tried to develop post moves with him, but it just isn't in his nature. He's from The Congo, but his game was developed in Europe (remember that he plays for Spain in the Olympics). He's more of a European style player who just happens to be a Mutombo on defense. I actually cringe when he drives to the basket, because it so often results in a travelling call or a charge. But he is the perfect player to exploit the Spurs' defensive scheme of clogging up the lane and guarding the three point line -- unless of course his coach has him standing in the corner.

[Darius McCrary]

Ibaka seems to be one of the most likeable guys on that team this year for once. I hope that entire bench will look like they're crying when they're about to be eliminated. They had too much fun this series for 3 out of their 5 games being really compe ive.

yeah right dah. Don't you remember him talking mess and Stephen Jackson had to put him in his place? Said he'd punch him in his mouth on twitter LOL.

[Keepin' it real]

Espuelas >>> Trueno

[loveforthegame]

[apalisoc_9]

I think we should play small with Duncan coming on to defend Anus Cancer.

Duncan on enes is not bad idea. That's a surprisingly good take from you.

[Mugen]

Ibaka should go to the Spurs when he's a free agent, tbh.

Pretty sure Aldridge hates him tbh

[K...]

Pretty sure Aldridge hates him tbh

The idea that players get jealous is overblown. On a winning team people rarely care. On a disciplined team players don't pout as much.


That said, there will be a Deron Williams moment eventually for this team. But I doubt ibaka is that guy. Remember one teams thug is another glue guy.

[SpursFan86]

Would really like to minimize the amount of the time West/Diaw spend on Kanter. I think Boban is a good answer, but the thing thing is, Westbrook/KD will probably be in the game almost the entire time. Not sure how I feel about Boban trying to deal with Westbrook/KD in the PnR.

Ideally, one of Duncan/Aldridge will be on Kanter at all times. If there are moments where Kanter is in the game and Westbrook/KD are both out (read: Billy Donovan is an idiot), then let Boban come in and spend some time on him.

[gambit1990]

gonna miss game 1 cause i'll be in san diego and then vegas on saturday.

[DPG21920]

gonna miss game 1 cause i'll be in san diego and then vegas on saturday.

No TVs in Vegas?

[DPG21920]

Would anyone be interested in a series preview/breakdown?

[NameLess Scrub]

Would anyone be interested in a series preview/breakdown?

Post it.


I think is very important that we send someone to shave the mustache brothers.
There's something about those mustaches that turns them from regular dorks to dirty, bruising, offensive rebound grabbing, sons of guns.

[DPG21920]

^ Will work on it after work

[TheDoctor]

Would really like to minimize the amount of the time West/Diaw spend on Kanter...

Actually, I want West to test Kanter's rib cage a couple of times first before doing anything else.

[024]

Spurs need to make sure Ibaka reverts to his season average on 3's. Without Ibaka's 3 falling, the Thunder don't really have 3 point threats to space around Durant and Westbrook. Waiters is their next best option but he's needed for the bench.

[TheDoctor]

Ibaka had knee surgery in the 2014 off season, after the cheap shot by Chris Paul took him out of the first two playoff games against the Spurs that year. Very mysterious, because there STILL has never been any information as to whether it was an ACL or MCL or what, or who did the surgery.

But it seems to me his problems are mental (I've chalked it up to the breakup with Keri Hilson). He doesn't like spotting up in the corner on offense, and he lets it effect his entire game. I don't think it's physical, because he has flashes, or halves of games or every other game where he's all over the place blocking shots and dunking and shooting that sweet 15 foot jumper...... and then he is totally disengaged and invisible for halves or full games (like game 5 against Dallas last night).

But Serge is the key to the Thunder's chances to beat the Spurs, IMO. He is just SOOOOO inconsistent.

What you guys aren't taking into consideration when discussing Ibaka's drop in production, is that he's no longer in his ultimate prime years. He's way older than 26 or 27 y/o. I say he's 32 or 33 y/o easily. Since 2014 (supposedly 24 y/o) Ibaka has regressed considerably in points, rebounds, true-shooting, BPM, blocks, PER and win-shares while playing basically the same minutes.

[polandprzem]

tbqh I like our chances. If Dirt could be effective vs OKC so can Lamarcus, plus we do have matchups that suits us and we do have defenders that can cause problems to their best guys.
I just wonder if we will let Ibaka beat us which is Pop normal case - kill the head of a snake.

Green will be tested on Westbrook while kawhi vs Durant. All in all those 4 wants to prove something. It's gonna be tough but IMO we can manage as OKC is not great coached.

But we need to secure the rebounds - not only from frontcourt guys but also from the backcourt guys - green and Kyle

[Kawhitstorm]

Green will be tested on Westbrook while kawhi vs Durant.

Actually, it might be Kawhi on Westbrook & Danny on Durant. WB is too athletic for Danny & undersized defenders usually bother Durant on his postups. That's the matchup Pop went with during the 2nd meeting of the season, he also did it in the 2014 series when Danny couldn't stop WB from getting into the lane.

[SAGirl]

My four keys to victory against them:

1. REBOUND! Duncan and Aldridge do a pretty good job rebounding when they're both on the floor together. Z BO did out muscle Aldridge on a lot of rebounds last series, I don't think Ibaka has knack of being physical and rebounding like he did. Everyone needs to rebound on the defensive end, that seemed to hurt Dallas this series and when they rebounded well they gave themselves a chance even if they didn't have the talent.

2. Keep them off the free throw line. Spurs do a pretty good job of keeping teams off the line so I hope it continues. I hope Pop sends an early message to the refs about all the cheap fouls they get. I think refs seriously do get intimidated by Pop, he seems a lot more moodier lately so I'm pretty sure Spurs could have an advantage there.

3. Knock down shots. The Thunder gave up a lot of open shots to Dallas especially in the mid range game, and three where Spurs are at their best. Spurs shot really well against the Grizzlies when they were given those open shots, and knocked down those shots on the road against a better perimeter defenders in Memphis which is encouraging and could be critical. If we move the ball well we are going to give the Thunder a lot of problems on offense depending on the lineups Pop puts out.

4. Energy and hustle needs to be there early. If so they will be there every game. I would like to see the Spurs to crowd Durant and Westbrook at times and make other guys try to beat us especially if they're on. Most likely in situations that we are down by 10 or so, and can't catch a break on defense. I think the Spurs can go at least ten deep in this series, and probably will so they should have the energy.

All good points. I like them!

[kuato]

Release the Boban!

[polandprzem]

Actually, it might be Kawhi on Westbrook & Danny on Durant. WB is too athletic for Danny & undersized defenders usually bother Durant on his postups. That's the matchup Pop went with during the 2nd meeting of the season, he also did it in the 2014 series when Danny couldn't stop WB from getting into the lane.

We'll see but Danny is better on ball, that's why he is also better on Curry then Kawhi. leonard sometimes being blown by a shorter quicker opponents. All in all it's gonna be interesting. Also how TP gonna defend esp. vs Waiters if he comes in and how Pop will handle minutes considerate matchups.
I'd say it's even possible he can use Anderson more as a PG with TP having less minutes. OKC probably gonna clog the lane - hard times for TP

[Kawhitstorm]

Also how TP gonna defend esp. vs Waiters if he comes in and how Pop will handle minutes considerate matchups.

Manu has to play PG if Waiter is playing w/ WB/KD in the 4th quarter otherwise he's going to get posted up.

[GSH]

Actually, I want West to test Kanter's rib cage a couple of times first before doing anything else.

Oh, yeah.

What you guys aren't taking into consideration when discussing Ibaka's drop in production, is that he's no longer in his ultimate prime years. He's way older than 26 or 27 y/o. I say he's 32 or 33 y/o easily. Since 2014 (supposedly 24 y/o) Ibaka has regressed considerably in points, rebounds, true-shooting, BPM, blocks, PER and win-shares while playing basically the same minutes.

I don't know if Ibaka is older than he claims. But as bigs age, they do one of two things - retire, or find other ways to get things done (especially other ways to score). Early in Ibaka's career, he took 40% of his shots from inside 3 feet. This year he took 20% of his shots from inside 3 feet (steady decline over the last several years.). His FG% from inside 3 feet has decline from an average of about .720 to .671 this season. Not only that, this season he shot 55% of his shots from 16 feet out to the 3P line. Bottom line, Ibaka isn't nearly the threat inside as he once was, for whatever reason.

[Jimmy Early]

What you guys aren't taking into consideration when discussing Ibaka's drop in production, is that he's no longer in his ultimate prime years. He's way older than 26 or 27 y/o. I say he's 32 or 33 y/o easily. Since 2014 (supposedly 24 y/o) Ibaka has regressed considerably in points, rebounds, true-shooting, BPM, blocks, PER and win-shares while playing basically the same minutes.

That's been a rumor around here for over a year. Birth records aren't kept as efficiently in The Congo, particularly pre-Civil War birth records. I have offered to chip in $5 on some carbon date testing for him....

But the fact that SOMETIMES he is as active as ever tells me that it's more mental than physical.