Warriors' Game 2 Win Shows They Can Win West

Klay Thompson put on a shooting clinic as he scored 34 points in the Warriors' Game 2 win over the Spurs. (Ronald Martinez)

In Game 2 of their second-round playoff series, the Golden State Warriors once again opened up a big lead. The San Antonio Spurs again rallied for second-half comeback. It would not be enough this time. Instead, the Warriors held on for a 100-91 victory on Wednesday night.

Klay Thompson's 34-point performance will stand out in the box score, but his backcourt counterpart was the one who sealed the deal tonight. Of course, Stephen Curry had 44 points in Game 1, but he was a non-factor as the Spurs went on their run and through the two overtime periods. Curry finished with only 22 points in Game 2, but he had the Warriors' final five points to hold off the Spurs.

Golden State's series-evening victory snapped the Warriors' 30-game losing streak in San Antonio, which dated back to February 14, 1997. Additionally, they won a road playoff game after the first round for the first time since 1991. The win isn't only big as the series heads to Oracle Arena. It is significant because I believe it shows that the Warriors are capable of winning a wide-open Western Conference and earning a spot in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1976.

Here are five reasons why I believe the Warriors are capable of winning the Western Conference:

1. Mark Jackson is an innovative coach and an excellent motivator. Jackson has been preaching the message that his team has already overachieved expectations. He believes the pressure belongs on his opponents. Jackson is not afraid of defending his players, even if it means being fined by the league. The former point guard and commentator is well known as a great motivator. He will use the Game 1 collapse to push his young team.

2. Stephen Curry has emerged as a bona fide superstar. Curry loves the postseason spotlight. We all remember his March Madness heroics as the star of the Davidson Wildcats. He has shown that the NBA playoffs are his place to shine as well. While scoring is a huge part of his game, Curry has been contributing across the board. Entering tonight's Game 2, he was averaging 27.1 points, 9.6 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game. Curry's closing out Game 2 proved he is capable of leading his team to victory in the clutch as well.

3. Rather than fold when All-Star David Lee was lost for the remainder of the playoffs, the Warriors have had surprising contributions from across the board. As good as Curry has been in the playoffs, the Warriors have proved they are more than a one-man show. I have already made mention of how good Klay Thompson can be shooting the ball. He finished eight-for-nine tonight from beyond the arc and is always a danger to get it going from there. Rookie Harrison Barnes is averaging 15.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game as a starter. Former top pick Andrew Bogut has seemingly discovered the Fountain of Youth. The Aussie is averaging 8.4 points, 11.0 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. Finally, Jarrett Jack has brought energy off the bench. In the conference semifinals against the Nuggets, he average 18.8 points, 7.0 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game. As you can see, the Warriors are getting contributions from throughout their lineup.

4. The Warriors' high-tempo offense is surprisingly well-balanced and efficient. Everyone knows that the Warriors love to push the tempo and get the ball up the court in a hurry. They also think all they do is shoot the ball from three. That part simply is not true. The Warriors are very good from beyond the arc. During the regular season, they connected on a league-leading 40.3% of their three-pointers. Despite shooting at such a high percentage from deep, they’re surprisingly conservative and selective with it. In fact, only 23.9% of their shots were threes, which put them roughly middle of the pack across the league.

5. The Warriors may be known for their offense, but they have been getting it done of the defensive end as well. The exploits of the Warriors' offense are well-documented. Their discipline on the other side of the ball goes widely unnoticed. During tonight's Game 2 win, the Warriors held the Spurs to 39.3 percent shooting from the field and 23.8 percent from beyond the arc. This defensive discipline that the Warriors have been showing actually plays a significant role in their offense. Getting consistent defensive stops and rebounding allows the Warriors' offense to push the tempo.

I hope that you realize that this young Warriors team should not be overlooked. They are far more than a high-scoring offense led by Stephen Curry. Instead, they are a team that is fully capable of making a run at the NBA title. If you don't believe me, just ask the San Antonio Spurs think after two tough games at home.

Kobe Bryant Needs to Stop Making Excuses

Kobe Bryant says the Lakers are too old. I say he needs to stop making excuses and lead his team. (Andrew D. Bernstein)

The Philadelphia 76ers might not have the prestige names and honors that the Los Angeles Lakers players have had. However, the young 76ers stormed into the Staples Center and dominated the much older Lakers in a 103-99 victory on Tuesday night. The loss dropped the Lakers' record on the season to 15-16. After the game, Kobe Bryant had a colorful explanation.

"You just saw an old @#!*% team," Bryant continued. "I don't know how else to put it to you. We're just slow. You saw a team over there that was just younger and just had fresher legs and just played with more energy, and we were just stuck in the mud. I think individually we all have to figure out how to get ourselves ready each and every game to have a high level of energy. That's all that is."

Do you want to know what this boils down to? An excuse and to be quiet honest with you, a pathetic one at that. They are the fourth-oldest team in the NBA with an average age of 28.4. If this was their fourth game in five days or something, I would completely understand. However, the Lakers came into the home game against the 76ers on the three days rest.

If age is such a huge concern, how come I don't hear other teams and players complaining about? The New York Knicks are the oldest team in the NBA with an average age of 32.7. Rather than whining, the Knicks have been one of the league's surprise stories with a 21-10 record, good enough for the second-best mark in the Eastern Conference.

The Lakers’ next game is Friday against their crosstown rivals. The Clippers are the second-oldest team in the league with an average age of 29.3. All they've done recently is rattled off a streak of 17 straight wins. That is more wins than the Lakers have managed to get all season. No wonder more and more Lakers fans are becoming Clippers fans every day.

Bryant, 34, is supposedly the leader of the Lakers. Tim Duncan, 36, is the leader of the San Antonio Spurs, a team that is perennially called too old, but is always one of the best teams in the NBA every year. In tonight's win over the Milwaukee Bucks, Duncan scored 28 points (11-20 FG, 6-7 FT) to go with 13 rebounds, six assists, one steal and three blocks.

Duncan and the Spurs let their play do the talking, rather than their words. Bryant is so busy running his mouth and making excuses off the court that he isn't finding solutions on it. If he wants to be the leader on the court, than he needs to step up and make his teammates commit to working harder. Will the Lakers ever turn around this season? It will be when they start making the plays on the court, rather than complaining off of it.

Thunder Earn First NBA Title Appearance Since Relocation

Russell Westbrook and the Thunder have plenty to be excited about. (Sue Ogrocki)

After winning Game 2, the San Antonio Spurs became just the fourth team in NBA history to win at least 20 games in a row. Experts and analysts were calling them unbeatable and the complete package. I guess the Oklahoma City Thunder didn't get the memo or buy into it. They dominated the Spurs in Game 3 and closed out Games 4 and 5 exquisitely to take a 3-2 advantage, heading into Game 6 back in San Antonio.

The Spurs knew the game was a must-win, and they displayed it from the onset. In the first half, they basically had their way offensively and forced many turnovers as a result. The Spurs advantage at the half was 15 points. However, the Thunder came out in the second half looking like a different team. They outscored the Spurs 59-36 from that point on. Kevin Durant led the way with 36 points and 14 rebounds. Russell Westbrook added 25 emphatic points.

The fact that the Thunder basically swept a Spurs team who had just won 20 games in a row is remarkable. What is even more incredible is when you consider where this franchise was just a few years ago. Three seasons ago, they started out 3-29, on pace for the worst record in NBA history. Add in the fact in the fact that in the playoffs, the Thunder beat they the only three Western Conference teams to reach the NBA Finals since 1998, the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, and now the Spurs. It is extraordinary what they have accomplished to get to this point. Now, they await the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals. No matter who they play in the NBA Finals, you can be assured that this young team and their enthused fan base will be ready to put forth their best.

Ibaka and Durant Lead Thunder to Series-Tying Game 4 Win

Serge Ibaka and Kevin Durant's dynamic play was the difference. (Ronald Martinez)

A dynamic duo led the Thunder in Game 4. If you didn't watch the game, you must be thinking it has to be Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. That would be half-right. Durant was as good as ever, but the Spurs defense shut down Westbrook, limiting him to just seven points on 2-10 shooting.

As Game 4 tipped off tonight, the OKC faithful were on their feet and as loud as ever. They knew what this game meant for their team's chances of moving onto the NBA Finals. With a win, the Thunder would level the series at two games a piece headed back to San Antonio. There is just something special about playing in front of your home crowd. I don't know if you have ever experienced this yourself, but players are often propelled to do something they didn't know they were capable of doing. It was that kind of night for Serge Ibaka.

When Ibaka entered the NBA draft from his native Congo, he was as raw a talent as they come. The Thunder saw the promise and potential he had for great things. Many members of the Thunder's current front office are former San Antonio Spurs employees. The Spurs have long been known for their ability to scout very well internationally. Six of the twelve players who played in Game 4 for the Spurs were born overseas. Back to the Thunder. They decided to take a chance on Ibaka's raw talent. This season Ibaka has improved significantly, especially on the defensive end. He led the league in blocks this season averaging 3.65 per game.

Back to tonight. Ibaka found his stride from the onset. He controlled the paint, knocked down mid-range jumpers, and even channeled his inner Dr. J on an explosive cradle slam. Ibaka finished with 26 points, shooting a perfect 11-11 from the field and 4-4 from the charity stripe. His performance is the second most shots made from the field without a miss in NBA playoff history.

In the fourth quarter, the Spurs staged a comeback narrowing the Thunder lead to four. But then it was simply Kevin Durant time. The Spurs simply could not stop him. Over a nine-possession stretch, Durant buried 16 points. With less then a minute left, he beautifully kicked the ball out to James Harden, who drained the three to seal the Thunder's Game 4 win.

It's all level headed back to San Antonio. The Spurs who seemed unbeatable have now lost two in a row. The Thunder have all the momentum and energy in their sails. Thabo Sefolosha has basically shut down Tony Parker the past two games. The Spurs motion offense has suffered as a result. However, I am pretty sure Gregg Popovich still has a few more tricks up his sleeve as he orchestrates the Spurs. Game 5 tips off Monday night at nine. Both teams will be ready, looking to gain the upper hand in this hard fought battle.

Western Conference Finals: Preview & Prediction

The Western Conference Finals, featuring the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs, is set to begin tomorrow night at 8:30 PM EST. My preview will look at the matchup position by position to see who has the advantage. I will conclude with my pre-series prediction.

Point Guard Matchup: Tony Parker & Russell Westbrook

Spurs: Tony Parker
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

Spurs: Danny Green
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.

While the Heat Look Vulnerable, The Spurs Look Dominate

The Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs (along with the Thunder) are considered to be the best teams in their respective conferences. Tonight, the Heat and the Spurs looked like completely different teams.

Photo Credit: Robert Duyos/Sun Sentinel

The Indiana Pacers are not supposed to compete with the Miami Heat, especially in South Beach. The Pacers certainly tried hard. They missed 24 out of 29 shots at one point in Game 2. They gave up an 11-point second half lead. The team's scoring in the fourth quarter was outscored by two Heat players. But somehow this Pacers team managed to beat the Heat and level the series at a game a piece. The Heat looked lost at times on offense, going 1-16 from three in the game. LeBron James and Dwayne Wade both played great, but neither could come up with a big play at the end of the game.

Photo Credit: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Clippers gave the San Antonio Spurs a fight in the first half, until they ran out of steam. Then, the Spurs shut the door and made sure it stayed shut. After surviving past the Grizzlies in Memphis, the ailing Clippers had to go straight to San Antonio for Game 1. The Spurs, meanwhile, looked sharp and rested. Tim Duncan scored 26 points and had 10 rebounds, and Manu Ginobili added 22 points, as the Spurs routed the Clippers 108-92. Tony Parker didn't play very well, but it didn't really matter for the Spurs. The Spurs have now won 15 games in a row, the longest playoff sustained winning streak since the 2004 Spurs won 17 in a row. NBA Coach of the Year, Gregg Popovich, has the Spurs running on all cylinders.

These two teams clearly look like polar opposites. The Heat look disorganized and disgruntled. Despite having the two best players on the court, they couldn't figure out a way to beat a lackluster effort from the Pacers. The Spurs meanwhile look like a machine. They have been called boring and old, but they don't care. They win a lot of basketball games and that's what it all comes down to. The Heat are going to have to play a lot better to compete for a championship. I am certain they will, but they looked a lot more vulnerable than most people thought they were. The Spurs, on the other hand, just keep rolling along. They haven't let their weaknesses stop them yet. Until some does make that happen, I am not going to waste my time trying to find them.

Who is Jeremy Evans?

The NBA All-Star Weekend festivities kicked off tonight with the Slam Dunk Competition, 3-Point Shootout, and the Skills Challenge.

The 2012 Slam Dunk Contest lacked any really famous players this year. In fact, three of the four players come of the bench for their teams. For the first time ever, the winner was chosen by fan voting. The winner they chose was Jeremy Evans. Evans only got into the competition because Iman Shumpert had to withdraw due to injury. During the competition, Evans dunked with a camera on his head, slammed two basketballs while jumping over teammate Gordon Haywood, and donned a Karl Malone jersey to dunk over mailman-dressed comedian Kevin Hart. I wasn't even sure who Evans was, so I looked it up. Evans is a small forward for the Utah Jazz. He is a second-year player out of Western Kentucky University. He has only played in 16 games, averaging 5.6 minutes per contest and 1.7 points per game.

Minnesota Timerwolves star Kevin Love knows a thing or two about dunking, but this year, he decided to show off his touch in this year's 3-Point Shootout. Love held on to beat Kevin Durant in a tiebreaker to secure the title. In the Skills Challenge, San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker raced to victory in under 33 seconds. His time fell short of the record set by Deron Williams (25 seconds) in 2008.