2012 NBA Playoffs: Why the Thunder Have No Chance Against the Spurs

The Thunder came into the Western Conference Finals feeling very confident about themselves.

Now, after losing two games in San Antonio, they have a small chance of making the Finals.

San Antonio has won 20 straight games and cruised through the playoffs so far, taking a 2-0 lead over the Thunder. While Game 1 was close (101-98), the Spurs dominated Game 2.

To win the series, Oklahoma City will have to win 4 of 5 games against the top-seeded Spurs, and at least one of those will have to be on the road. Even with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, I don't see that happening.

Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, Kawhi Leonard, and Manu Ginobili have anchored a fantastic team that is poised to make playoff history. Right now, almost everybody is expecting a Spurs-Heat Finals.

And they have no reason to expect anything different.

While Durant, Westbrook, and Harden have scored points, Westbrook hasn't been getting everyone involved. As a result, nobody else (except Derek Fisher, who scored 10) is scoring. San Antonio had five players in double-digits and 7 players with 8+ points.

Tony Parker has been doing very well at passing and executing San Antonio's system, which Westbrook hasn't been able to disrupt. He's finding guys for backdoor baskets, and simply giving his teammates the best chance they can have to score.

Although I thought Westbrook could disrupt the system and lead the Thunder to a win in San Antonio, the Spurs just kept rolling and added their nineteenth and twentieth consecutive wins.

How Much of a Chance Do the Thunder Have Against the Spurs?

San Antonio didn't have much trouble on the road, and they beat the Thunder on the road in March. I think the Thunder won't get swept, but even the crowd's motivation and OKC's superior hustle won't net the Thunder two consecutive wins.

The Spurs have been playing amazing basketball, and it's nearly impossible for me to imagine them losing the series to the Thunder. Tony Parker has made all the right decisions, Manu Ginobili has hit the clutch shots, and Kawhi Leonard, Tim Duncan, and others have stepped up off the bench.

Gregg Popovich is a great coach and he's prepared the Spurs very well for everything the Thunder have done. He's pieced together a great system, and his team has executed it very well.

The Thunder haven't been able to stop the system. As a result, they've had zero luck against San Antonio.

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