The San Antonio Spurs impressive winning steak was in jeopardy in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. The Oklahoma City Thunder held the Spurs to just 16 points in the third quarter, and were up 71-62 with just 12 minutes to play. That's when the Spurs turned up the intensity. San Antonio went on to win the game 101-98 for their 19th straight victory. Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday at 9:00 EST and will be televised nationally on TNT.
While Oklahoma City lost the game, they were able to cover the 5-point spread due to a meaningless 3-pointer as time expired. Both teams combined for 66 points in the 4th quarter, but it wasn't enough to push the game over the posted total of 204. Taking a look at the odds for Game 2. Oddsmakers have the Spurs favored by 4.5-points over the Thunder with the total set at 201. For the latest on this series, click this link.
Oklahoma City
The Thunder got a game-high 27 points from Kevin Durant, but it was his shortage of production in the fourth quarter that killed Oklahoma City. Durant, who also had 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocks, only attempted two field goal attempts in the final period. Some of that was a result of Russell Westbrook not getting him the ball, and part of it was he just wasn't assertive enough. Westbrook scored 17 points, but was just 7 of 21 from the field. James Harden added 19 points and Derek Fisher helped out with 13 off the bench.
It is going to be interesting to see how the Thunder bounce back in Game 2 after suffering such a tough loss. Defensively this team had a major meltdown in the fourth quarter. After holding San Antonio to just 61 in the first three quarters, Oklahoma City permitted San Antonio to put up 39 points in the final 12 minutes. If that carries over into Game 2, it's going to be extremely hard for the Thunder to even the series at 1-1.
For Oklahoma City to beat the Spurs on Tues., they are going to need a better performance out of Westbrook and Harden. Both of these players were less of a factor than the final numbers indicate. Westbrook hit a pretty meaningless 3-pointer late in the game and Harden hit two. If you take away those baskets, Westbrook would've had just 14 points and Harden only 13. I believe both players have to score 20+ for Oklahoma City to even think about winning Game 2.
San Antonio
It's getting to the point where you wonder whether the Spurs will ever lose another game. What I really like about San Antonio is they don't panic when things are not going their way. They stick to the game plan and just keep executing on both sides of the ball. In Game 1, the Spurs got a big lift from Manu Ginobili, who scored 26 points in 34 minutes off the bench. Tony Parker recovered from a sluggish start to finish with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, while Tim Duncan added 16 points and 11 boards.
The Spurs got a number of big contributions from the remainder of the team. Tiago Splitter, Stephen Jackson and Gary Neal alll played great off the bench. The threesome combined for 26 points. They made up for the the struggles of Daniel Green, who was held scoreless. It just shows you how deep the Spurs actually are. I personally think its why San Antonio will go on to win the series and possibly the NBA Championship.
There's no doubt the Spurs would like to start stronger than they did in Game 1, but overall I believe San Antonio has to be very happy with their defense. I wouldn't be surprised at all if the Spurs came out and dominated the Thunder in Game 2.
While Oklahoma City lost the game, they were able to cover the 5-point spread due to a meaningless 3-pointer as time expired. Both teams combined for 66 points in the 4th quarter, but it wasn't enough to push the game over the posted total of 204. Taking a look at the odds for Game 2. Oddsmakers have the Spurs favored by 4.5-points over the Thunder with the total set at 201. For the latest on this series, click this link.
Oklahoma City
The Thunder got a game-high 27 points from Kevin Durant, but it was his shortage of production in the fourth quarter that killed Oklahoma City. Durant, who also had 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocks, only attempted two field goal attempts in the final period. Some of that was a result of Russell Westbrook not getting him the ball, and part of it was he just wasn't assertive enough. Westbrook scored 17 points, but was just 7 of 21 from the field. James Harden added 19 points and Derek Fisher helped out with 13 off the bench.
It is going to be interesting to see how the Thunder bounce back in Game 2 after suffering such a tough loss. Defensively this team had a major meltdown in the fourth quarter. After holding San Antonio to just 61 in the first three quarters, Oklahoma City permitted San Antonio to put up 39 points in the final 12 minutes. If that carries over into Game 2, it's going to be extremely hard for the Thunder to even the series at 1-1.
For Oklahoma City to beat the Spurs on Tues., they are going to need a better performance out of Westbrook and Harden. Both of these players were less of a factor than the final numbers indicate. Westbrook hit a pretty meaningless 3-pointer late in the game and Harden hit two. If you take away those baskets, Westbrook would've had just 14 points and Harden only 13. I believe both players have to score 20+ for Oklahoma City to even think about winning Game 2.
San Antonio
It's getting to the point where you wonder whether the Spurs will ever lose another game. What I really like about San Antonio is they don't panic when things are not going their way. They stick to the game plan and just keep executing on both sides of the ball. In Game 1, the Spurs got a big lift from Manu Ginobili, who scored 26 points in 34 minutes off the bench. Tony Parker recovered from a sluggish start to finish with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, while Tim Duncan added 16 points and 11 boards.
The Spurs got a number of big contributions from the remainder of the team. Tiago Splitter, Stephen Jackson and Gary Neal alll played great off the bench. The threesome combined for 26 points. They made up for the the struggles of Daniel Green, who was held scoreless. It just shows you how deep the Spurs actually are. I personally think its why San Antonio will go on to win the series and possibly the NBA Championship.
There's no doubt the Spurs would like to start stronger than they did in Game 1, but overall I believe San Antonio has to be very happy with their defense. I wouldn't be surprised at all if the Spurs came out and dominated the Thunder in Game 2.
About the Author:
Keep up on the 2012 NBA playoffs at Bet Firms. If you are looking for some expert advice on who to take, check out NBA handicapper Steve Janus.
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