Game 1: Oklahoma City vs. San Antonio.
Apparently, Serge Ibaka's injury was serious enough to keep him out of this series. It's a huge blow, to be sure.
Game 1 really exposed OKC's defense without Ibaka. The Spurs got into the paint at will from the get-go; Tim Duncan had 21 in the first half. Yet somehow, the Thunder kept it fairly close despite the Spurs putting up 67 at halftime.
Of course, the Spurs pulled away in the second half, even though they gave up the lead at one point in the third quarter.
It may be a concern to the Spurs that they can blow the doors off the other team in the first half, but consistently allow them back into the game in the second because they can't keep up the pace offensively. Something to think about for the next round, assuming the Spurs get there.
Eh, who am I kidding? Without Ibaka, and with Collison, Sefolosha, and Perkins performing like they did (spoiler alert: blegh), the Thunder don't have much of a chance. Hell, they may steal a game or two just based on athleticism or a freak-out performance from Westbrook and/or Durant, but that's about all I'd feel comfortable betting on.
Either way, the Spurs' execution was relentless. And Kawhi Leonard just keeps on keepin' on. The numbers last night don't really reflect his play, necessarily. His impact seemed much greater than 7-for-16 shooting would suggest.
San Antonio leads 1-0. Game 2 is Wednesday.
Later today, Game 2 in Indiana.
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