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Controversy marred the end of Game 2 in the Western Conference semi-finals, and San Antonio Spurs will be looking to bounce back in Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Join The Roar for live scores from 11:30am (AEST).
Since Game 2 finished, the NBA has admitted there were five non-calls in the final 13.8 seconds of play as the Spurs tried (and failed) to overcome the Thunder’s one-point lead in the final play.
While the non-calls are not a good look for the game, it’s not what we should be focusing on heading into Game 3. With the series locked up at one game a piece, whoever can put the incidents of those 13.8 seconds behind them could well run away with this one.
After an absolute drubbing in Game 1, where the Spurs seemed to be incapable of missing, it was almost a complete opposite start in Game 2 as the Thunder managed to take an eight-point lead by quarter time.
The Spurs slowly got their defence in order, while LaMarcus Aldridge – who ended up with 41 points – brought the Spurs to within a single point at the end of three quarters. The last period was back and forth, but ultimately the Thunder would hang onto their one-point lead.
Both Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant were good, scoring 29 and 28 points respectively, while Steven Adams was an animal inside the paint with 17 rebounds.
While their offence is clicking at satisfactory levels, the Thunder’s problem is still their defence. That hasn’t changed, and after Game 1 it became even more apparent.
LaMarcus Aldridge shot an awesome 15 of 21 from the field in Game 2, but also got to the free-throw line a hell of a lot – shooting 10 of 10 from the charity stripe. It means the Thunder simply aren’t executing on defence well enough.
A major question for the Spurs is the health of Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. They are only averaging a shade over 20 minutes per game, although they stayed on the floor for 28 and 27 minutes respectively in Game 2. San Antonio’s play, particularly on defence, drops when they are on the bench and the question has to be asked if they are playing enough minutes.
The pressure is on the Spurs now, although they seem to come good in these situations more often than not.
Prediction
The Thunder are historically good at home against the Spurs in the playoffs, and with Durant and Westbrook looking good, it’s hard to see that changing.
Thunder by 4.
Be sure to join The Roar for live scores of this match from 11:30am (AEST) and don’t forget to add your own comments in the section below.
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