 |
| Point Guard Matchup: Tony Parker & Russell Westbrook |
Parker is having what many people consider his best season ever. He finished fifth in MVP voting. Parker's play in the postseason has been just as good. He is averaging 19.1 points per game and 7.1 assists per game. Parker also has very good career numbers against the Thunder, including a season-high 42 points on February 4.
Thunder: Russell Westbrook
Westbrook is ultra athletic and as volatile a scorer as point guards come. He has become more of an efficient shooter this season and even more so in the playoffs. In the postseason, Westbrook is shooting 47.2% from the field and averaging 24.1 points per game.
Advantage: None
 |
| Shooting Guard Matchup: Danny Green & Thabo Sefolosha |
When Manu Ginobili broke his hand in January, Green took the starting spot and never looked back. The Spurs love his athleticism and ability to defend the perimeter so well. Green's ability to stroke the three fits perfectly with the Spurs offense. He led the way in the last regular season matchup of these two teams with 21 points.
Thunder: Thabo Sefolosha
Sefolosha is considered to be one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. His athletic 6-7 frame allows him to matchup with the other team's best player. Not known for his offensive game, he can make the open three on occasion. He is 7 for 14 from behind the arc in the playoffs.
Advantage: Spurs
 |
| Small Forward Matchup: Kawhi Leonard & Kevin Durant |
Spurs: Kawhi Leonard
Over the course of his rookie campaign, Leonard has continued to get better. This improvement has transpired in the postseason. Leonard is shooting 51.1% from the field and 45.4% from three in the playoffs. His 6-7 frame, long arms, and defensive awareness on the court will mean he will likely first defend superstar Kevin Durant.
Thunder: Kevin Durant
Durant's 28.0 points per game during the regular season earned him his third consecutive scoring title. He is a supreme athlete and has the dual package ability of being able to effortlessly attack the rim and drain most any jumper. No player means more to his team's success than Durant.
Advantage: Thunder
 |
| Power Forward Matchup: Tim Duncan & Serge Ibaka |
Spurs: Tim Duncan
Duncan is possibly the greatest power forward ever to play the game. His post moves are as consistent as ever, and his presence is the foundation to the Spurs defense. Despite being 36-years-old, Duncan's numbers have improved drastically with his increased minutes in the playoffs. During the Spurs last series, he averaged 20 points and 9 rebounds per game.
Thunder: Serge Ibaka
Ibaka led the NBA in blocks this season averaging 3.65 per game. Due to his emergence as a top shot-blocker and post defender, he finished second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting. Ibaka is still a young, raw talent from the Congo and will continue to improve.
Advantage: Spurs
 |
| Center Matchup: Boris Diaw & Kendrick Perkins |
Spurs: Boris Diaw
Diaw came over to the Spurs in a midseason trade with the Charlotte Bobcats. Ever since, he has assumed the starting center role for the Spurs. Having played a variety of positions in his career, Diaw is a diverse big man who can stretch the floor. He is also a great passer for a big man.
Thunder: Kendrick Perkins
Bringing championship experience, Perkins is a hardworking post presence who is a solid rebounder and defender. He struggled mightily against the Spurs during the regular season. He also might have his handful defending Diaw's versatility.
Advantage: Spurs
 |
| Bench Matchup: Manu Ginobli & James Harden |
Spurs Bench
The Spurs had the most points off the bench during the regular season and that has continued in the playoffs. Manu Ginobli is the clear leader. His veteran experience and playmaking ability is crucial for the Spurs. Guard Gary Neal and center Tiago Splitter make notable contributions off the bench. Stephen Jackson may be needed off the bench to help defend Durant.
Thunder Bench
James Harden, this season's Sixth Man of the Year, is the energizer off the bench. He is averaging 17 points per game in the playoffs. Derek Fisher brings a veteran presence at guard. Nazr Mohammad and Nick Collison are important post players off the bench.
Advantage: None
 |
| Coaching Matchup: Gregg Popovich & Scott Brooks |
Spurs: Gregg Popovich
Popovich is the longest tenured coach in North American professional sports. He is a genius on the court and has an eye for spotting talent. His four championship titles and 116 playoff victories is the most among active coaches.
Thunder: Scott Brooks
Brooks is one of the NBA's best young coaches. He has a 152-78 record, despite coaching one of the league's youngest teams. Brooks was also named coach of the year in 2009-10.
Advantage: Spurs
Prediction
Both teams have basically crushed their opponents up until now. The Spurs are on an 18-game winning streak. Their average margin of defeat in the postseason so far has been 14 points. The Thunder only have one loss in the playoff so far. They knocked out the past two NBA champions to get to this point. Nothing will be easy for either of these teams. I expect this series to be hard fought throughout. That being said, I like the Spurs to win this series. I don't believe the Thunder will have an answer for Tim Duncan. The Spurs motion offense has been running on all cylinders during the playoffs. The Spurs talent from top to bottom is hard to match. I don't think Durant and Westbrook can do enough to carry the Thunder through. The supporting cast isn't good enough yet. While I do believe the Thunder are on their way to a title, I don't believe it will happen this year. The Spurs will do enough to hold off and put away the Thunder.
My prediction: Spurs in six games.
No comments:
Post a Comment