[WolfRobParticipant]

 Hope so. 

Spurs sure are tough though. 

[mookieParticipant]

I dont know if playing against the spurs this year there is ever a "key" matchup.  Like Kenny the jet said…the spurs take you out of what you do.  They have so many players they put in position to score and the thunder have 3 scorers.    

[FUNKYBUNCHParticipant]

 You are right on the money- Spurs take what you do well away and force you to do what you don’t want. I say the difference in the series isn’t the team with the best player or the winner of the Parker/Westbrook matchup, but it’s more about Pop! Brooks can coach- but not like Pop. OKC can win, but ultimately I believe the Spurs WILL win due to the coaching advantage.

[valentine]

who will outplay who?

i think this is a crucial matchup for either team, who ever wins the matchup is likely to win the series.

…

i think westbrook outplays him and okc advances to the finals

[HaleParticipant]

Whoever outplays the other is going to be hyped as the best PG in the league despite truly being no better then #3.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

I wouldn’t be suprised if Pop put a bigger defender on Westbrook. This isn’t going to be Parker vs Westbrook for 35-40 minutes.

I really like Tony Parker in this series though. For the first time in the playoffs, Westbrook is about to be attacked consistently off of the dribble and be put in the high pick and roll himself.

People are sleeping on Tony Parker. I thought he was the best point guard in basketball this season. IF not the best, then right behind Chris Paul.

[HaleParticipant]

He was great this season, but he’s certainly not better then a healthy Derrick Rose.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

But Derrick Rose wasn’t healthy this season and won’t be for a long time. I think it’s safe to say that Tony Parker is better right now.

[jerb2011Participant]

 I will simply enjoy this series because I think the Spurs are smarter/deeper/more finals ready than OKC, but I am confident that the winner of this series will win it all. Regardless to who wins this series, I am not mad

[HaleParticipant]

Only because Derrick has one leg right now. This is exactly the same thing that happened with Deron Williams and Chris Paul. Chris Paul has always been better but when he got hurt, people started saying D-Will was the best PG, despite him never actually being better then CP3. Once Paul came back he proved that he was obviously better. It’s nonsense. You can turn your back on Rose and say Parker’s better, but when Rose comes back and dominates don’t change your mind so quickly again. This goes for everyone else too, not just you, everyone who is elevating Rondo, Parker and Russ over Rose is going to look stupid when he comes back healthy.

[DanEboyParticipant]

In defense of Tezo, he did say he was the best THIS season, not overall.

I am rooting for the Thunder simply in hopes of seeing a Heat vs. Thunder match-up. But how awesome would a Pacers vs. Spurs finals be for the NBA…ha!

 

[WTF I’m BANNED]

 i know this is not the same spurs team but okc can give the same problems that memphis gave to the spurs last year

[417basketballfanParticipant]

the thunder play nothing like the grizzlies did last year. the grizzlies killed the spurs down low. randolph went off and gasol had a great series. the thunder big men don’t even try to post up to score… the style of play from those teams are totally different

[WTF I’m BANNED]

im talking about a young athletic team who can get on the break.

[NYK2010Participant]

Agreed the Grizz from last yr and OKC this year are very diff.

I think Westbrook wins the matchup of Pg’s since he’s a better defender and his jump shot is a lil better too.

Majority of ppl will pick the Spurs because of the experience, coaching, winning streak, Duncan.

Don’t forget though the Thunder have the best player and plenty of size.

San Antonio has faced to mediocre to average offensive teams in the playoffs that will change.

Oklahoma City faced better scorers in Dirk, Kobe and a better big man in Bynum.

Should be a fun series going 6 or 7 games.

 

[omphalosParticipant]

I think Russ will win the individual matchup, but it will be to the detriment of his team. He seems to take matchups against smaller guards personally, and gets very arrogant with how he attacks them.

This series is really too tough to call, but I agree that the winner of this series is going to take home the title.

[PulseGlazerParticipant]

I think the Spurs will cause the Thunder trouble the same way Dallas did last year.  Neither Perk nor Ibaka can really handle Duncan, and the Spurs have a variety of bigs that can pass or finish to make Ibaka pay should he roam.  Durant is better on ball than off, as is Westbrook, and with Kawhi and Parker cutting, that should be huge as well.  Even Harden isn’t a huge advantage since he’s essentially matched by Manu.  Durant could utterly go off and change everything, but barring that, and with Pop coaching that’s no sure thing, I think the Spurs match up extremely well offensively, while their big weakness on D – bigs inside – isn’t a factor for the Thunder and they should be able to commit extra defenders to OKC’s big 3 without too much trouble. 

[invalidParticipant]

 im a fan of drose game but lets face it, he’s down and clearly parker is better. ofcourse this season, isnt that what we’re talking about. and i will change my mind when rose is healthy because that is a different case. will you pick grant hill or paul george? prime grant hill? lol.

i cant pick on who will outplay coz like i feel it will be close. . or maybe parker just a little because he plays smarter than westbrook. ive watched a game where parker destroyed westbrook but spurs lost and westbrook dominates parker but okc lost the game.

[Harbinger]

I think the thunder will get lumped up their to young.

Alot of ppl compare harden to manu its funny because they will both be the key match up to this series, unlike the pg match up which you all think .Pop didnt like putting tony on chris paul because of foul trouble and he didnt want him chasing around paul putting out to much energy, then haveing to ignite the offense on the other end.So I think ppl will take turns gaurding westbrook. Manu is a proven playoff warrior internationally  and if he can come in and negate harden in the second unit…….

I think westbrook will give parker fits because hes stronger and bigger but Parker has one adavntage exp mentally and physically westbrook hasnt been here more then tony hes trained his body but tony trained his body for deep runs because hes use to it and hes ageing so he knows about takeing extra steps extra care of the body teh staff and coach knows as well.These young guys will break down there not prepared to win yet plus his quickness nite and nite out isnt something westbrook is use to.

Durant will have it rough as well I see cap jack ,kwai, and Diaw giveing him differnt looks from defense and he will have to adjust his playing style in game to beat each defender.Cap jack will bring the fight and some of you forgot the diaw is one of a few player who overcame a 3-1 lead when they knocked off the lakers.Hes use to this and hes diff from the diaw that was in a bobcat uni hes balling and in shape.

The thunder have a great team and the talent to make it to the finals I had them going against MIA before bosh got hurt. But bottomline their young and are enjoying themselfs and the spurs are blood thirsty the window is closing their willing to tear acls(one player lost both already) pull shoulders,risk life to win maybe their last ring. So im rooting for the underdogs.

 

[joecheck88Participant]

 I believe the Thunder have the 2 best players in this series in Durant and Westbrook. That should be a factor. Tony Parker has been great but the Thunder aren’t the Jazz or Clippers. They are a better defensive team easily. Parker won’t be getting free as much as he did against LA. The PKC guys are all long and athletic and will recover a lot better on D. I like the Thunder this series. Duncan will be a factor but not like the last series. Deandre didn’t have a chance. Ibaka, Collison, Perkins and Mohammed will give him a lot more competition. 

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

I don’t know if I agree with Durant and Westbrook being the two best players in this series. I have no problem with saying Durant is the best player in this series, but Tony Parker and Russell Westbrook are close. I personally think Parker is better. And Tim Duncan is the best big man in this series by far.

And when you look at each team’s roster from top to bottom, the Spurs have a big time edge in my opinion. The Spurs shoot too well for the Thunder to just pack the paint.

I really don’t think this series is going more than 5 or 6 games. One thing the Thunder have going in their favor is they’ve played a lot of close games, while the Spurs have only played one. I still like the Spurs in 5 or 6.

 

[Harbinger]

 I agree with them haveing the two best players.But sefo wont have the same impact he had last series because green is a shooter so hes going to spot up get open and shoot there isnt muvh defense to play  on him. When Harden comes in Manu comes in but  final mins of a close game manu will be in but who will be the sg for okc defense in sefo or offense in harden?Duncan has played against great defenders but he has nobody to really stick in the post he got outplayed by gasol last year but okc doesnt have a gasol to outplay him so he doesnt have to worry about being a defensive presense. okc is not the better half court team this series  they have the best player but arent the better team .spurs are 8-0  four of those wins against a gritty clipper team and a better pg in chris paul.

CEREBAL ASSASSIN.

[Harbinger]

I say they have the best two because durant is durant but westbrook  is bigger,explosive,stronger,and plays more physical then parker. parker is by far a better pg but head to head westbrook I think will be a bigger problem then parker hes a loose cannon. he can put out serious damage if not kept under wraps and the last thing the spurs need is westbrook and durant going off.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

Spurs have a "deeper bench" but only 3 true scoring options.  The Thunder also have 3.

I will say that KD, Westbrook, and Harden vs. TD, TP, and Manu will be very fun to watch.

The Spurs real edge is in inside scoring with Tim Duncan plus Blair, Splitter, and Diaw.  However, last year the Thunder basically shut down Marc Gasol and Z Bo.  I think Vintage Timmy needs to show up for San Antonio to win.

I think Kevin Durant is the best player on either team.  Then Westrook vs. Parker.  Each guy gives you something different.  TP is smarter and more experienced, but Westbrook is a beast.  Manu vs. Harden is fairly even.  Serge Ibaka is the 7th best guy in this series due to his shot blocking and defense and athleticism.  Kawhi Leonard is the 4th guy for the Spurs and is their X factor.  If he can hustle and defend he might be able to slow down Durant/Harden a bit.  If he can score some too then the Spurs will be tough to beat.  The Spurs have some nice veterans beyond the Big Three but the Thunder have Fisher, Perkins, Nick Collison, and Thabo Sefolosha (who is a good matchup against Danny Green).

Both teams have solid benches with the Spurs bench getting more hype.  I think it will come down to who has the better BIG FOUR.  The Spurs with Duncan, Parker, Manu, and Kawhi Leonard.  The Thunder with Durant, Westbrook, Harden, and Ibaka.  One through four I actually like the Thunder better.  More size and talent on the wing, more explosiveness in the backcourt.  Timmy can score but Ibaka is a great defensive presence.  I think both benches will play tough, inspired ball.  But, who hits more 3’s?  Who gets more defensive stops?  I like Cook and Fisher from long range.  With Thabo and Collison defending to complement K Perk.  Splitter and Blair are good but Boris Diaw is undersized.  I think Matt Bonner is the key peice off the bench for the Spurs (other than Manu of course).  If he hits a bunch of 3’s, grabs a few boards, and plays solid defense then I like the Spurs chances.  … not sure what Stephen Jackson is going to give the Spurs but he needs to have some solid games.  The Spurs are deeper off the bench but only have one true offensive weapon who can get his own shot and create (Manu).  I think the top 4 or 5 guys need to carry the Spurs just as the top 4 or 5 guys will have to carry the Thunder.  I am looking for the support players to make some nice hustle plays, hit some shots, grab some boards, and make some nifty defensive plays, but this series is gonna come down to the heavy hitters.

I will say this though, if Tim Duncan is the best player in the series then the Spurs win.  If Scott Brooks does the best coaching job in this series then the Thunder win.  I can see the Durant-Westbrook combo playing great but still losing the series.  Harden can’t get totally outplayed by Manu.  Harden needs to at least hold his own, or, better yet, outplay Manu.  The main guy for the Thunder who can shift this series to OKC’s favor is Serge Ibaka.  If he dominates on defense, blocks everything, rebounds at a high rate, and gets enough dunks, garabage buckets, and jumpers then the Thunder can overcome anything that SA’s Big Three can throw at them.

[joecheck88Participant]

 I don’t see it. Why is everyone thinking Ginobili and Harden is a good matchup? Ginobili isn’t what he used to be and Harden getting superstar treatment. It seems like he gets fouled every time he drives. Duncan is the key. If he plays well the Spurs have the advantage. But he hasn’t played against a Serge Ibaka or Kendrick Perkins yet this playoffs. They are going to give him all he can handle. Also, I just don’t see the Thunder breaking down defensively like the Clippers did. As far as Thabo, he sits a little more this series which is fine. 

[Author]

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