Spurs and Thunder Game Two Preview and Predicition

The San Antonio Spurs erased a nine point, fourth quarter deficit in about 3 and a half minutes to derail the Thunder's hopes of stealing game one. Tonight, OKC looks to even the series, but can they do it?

San Antonio doesn't rely on Tim Duncan anymore to be the man every game, so when he gets 16 points and 11 boards, the other team has to hope he's leading the team that night. In game one, Manu Ginobili had 26 and Tony Parker had 18. If the Spurs' big three go off like that, it's tough for anyone to beat them.

OKC will have to try to control the tempo, which they did for three quarters in game one. Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden did what they normally do, but it wasn't enough. The Thunder need more than 17 combined points from the other starters. Kendrick Perkins needs to be a beast on the offensive glass.

San Antonio is too well coached and too cohesive to have a big letdown. The only thing they're interested in is getting to the Finals, and they will come out just as determined as they looked during their dominant fourth quarter in the first game.

The Thunder will need to get out to a quick start and get an early lead to have a chance. If they don't, I think they'll mentally slip and the game could get out of hand.

Spurs by 8.

Article by Eric Gray