WEST SECOND ROUND: SPURS v OKC

(2) SAN ANTONIO

(3) OKLAHOMA CITY

SEASON SERIES: SPLIT 2-2

The Oklahoma City Thunder have not looked this good in the postseason probably since their run to the Finals in 2012. Granite they are coming off a (4-1) series victory over a banged up Dallas team; OKC seems a bit different. The emergence of Enes Kanter not now but all season long has benefited the Thunder a ton. Kanter has been shooting (70%) from the field during these playoffs while averaging (15.2ppg / 7.0rpg). Kanter also has had some success versus the Spurs as well. These two teams split their 4 meetings this season. Although Kanter’s success has come at a pivotal time, we all know who OKC will rely on in crunch time and to make plays happen for them. That is Batman 1 and Batman 2. Either or/and whether it is Westbrook’s turn or Kevin Durant’s, the duo seems to keep trucking along. A couple horrific games by KD in the series vs Dallas including only scoring 19 points in a blowout game 4 victory and his game to forget, game 2 shooting just (21%) from the field. Game 2 was the Thunders only loss to the Mavs that series as Durant also committed 7 turnovers. Westbrook continues to remain as consistent as they come. Russell is almost averaging a double-double during the playoffs (26.0ppg / 11.2apg / 7.2rpg) and seems more poised than ever to reach the Finals yet again. His 36/12/9 game 5 closer, once again proved how elite and dominant of a player he can be. All to the beliefs except Mavs owner Mark Cuban who commented that Westbrook “wasn’t a superstar.” That did not go over well with the other Batman, as Kevin Durant spoke openly and honest about his feelings towards Cuban regarding his man Westbrook. KD called Cuban “an idiot” for those comments. That side of Durant we rarely see if ever see, however it was enlightening to see. Durant needs to be assertive and vocal like that not just in postgame conferences but even more on the court. That fire Cuban lit in Durant may be what OKC needs to hopefully get him over his spunk and help the Thunder advance even further.

In their way is an aging but veteran led, well coached, and as discipline of a team you will face in the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs destroyed the Memphis Grizzlies in a pre-postseason basically that just got them warmed up for another playoff duel with OKC. This will be the third time in 4 years OKC/SAS will face off and first since the Spurs won (4-2) in the WCF in 2014. San Antonio beat Memphis by an average of 22 points per game while outscoring the Grizz by 88 points which was the 5^th largest spread in NBA history under a seven game series. No not Duncan, not Parker, not Ginobli; however Kawai Leonard is now the catalysts leading the Spurs attack. Leonard has only averaged (21.5ppg / 4.8rpg) however he is capable of going off at any time and has had recent success against the Thunder. Leonard also shot (52% FG / 61% 3PT) versus Memphis. The Grizzlies were another team this postseason plagued by the injury bug and the Spurs just unleashed. LaMarcus Aldridge averaged close to a double-double (14.5ppg / 8.0rpg), but due to the blowouts the main core of the Spurs earned some well needed rest. At least 4 players took off several 4^th quarters during their sweep which will pay off dividends going forward.

A classic battle between Kawai Leonard and Kevin Durant will brew. Durant has not had the best of success versus the reigning 2-time Defensive Player of the Year shooting (39.5%) when guarded by Leonard. Since trading George Hill to Indiana for the rights of Kawai Leonard, Leonard has just excelled in every category. His points, minutes, rebounds, assist, all have gradually increased and became more of a productive player in the Spurs rotation. His defensive style of play we all know and see; however his offensive game has taken new heights. Leonard has an array of offensive moves that he has put on display. Including his 3PT shot which was horrible to begin his career, as to now it as smooth as ever. His mid-range game which seems to be a lost art with the likes of Curry and company raining 3’s is a thing of beautiful. Jab steps, 17 footers, pump fakes and pulling up at the elbow, taking the ball to rim, getting fouls and creating for others; this Kawai Leonard is something special. Look for the Spurs to send multiple defenders at a time at Westbrook forcing someone other than him and Durant to win games for OKC. The Spurs of course will space the floor and make the Thunder defend. The Thunder were the number one rebounding team during the regular season, by SAS spacing the floor so well, boxing out and controlling the paint and boards will be critical. Getting those extra possessions is key. Though Duncan is still not the same player and will be less than a factor from the 2014 WCF, just his mere presence on the floor will help the Spurs. Serge Ibaka played well versus Dallas including shooting (61%) from 3PT which improved tremendously from his (32%) average in the regular season. LaMarcus Aldridge will be a different animal to contain compared to an aging Dirk. Both team’s bench and depth will come into play. I definitely see this series going 6 or 7 and other than their main components, their depth will be tested. San Antonio can go deep on the bench; Diaw, West, Ginobli, Mills, Anderson. While OKC has shown improvement with Kanter, Roberson and hopefully Waiters can still be an asset alongside Steven Adams play inside. With the Spurs having some much rest in the Memphis series and their bench getting more playing time, home court and of course "coaching" - Pop over Donovan. Advantage Spurs. Though OKC will give them everything they have, I just don’t see it being enough.

SPURS IN 7