
By Telema Davies
The dusts from Donald’s Sterling racial rant and his ‘purported’ TV apology are yet to settle but the playoffs continue. San Antonio Spurs gave Oklahoma City Thunder a tough lesson in Game 1 last night in the NBA Final semis. Spurs were truly spurred as they cracked the Thunder open with post-ups and dribble-penetration, in addition to great ball movement. The Oklahoma City Thunder learned how difficult it is to guard the Spurs one-on-one as the latter took the first game.
Even without the injured Serge Ibaka to provide a secondary and final line of defence, Spurs were simply irresistible. As much as they played for each other, individually, the Spurs showed grit, tact and leadership across their home court. It was just the kind of play that earned them (Spurs) 122 points to easily take the first game of the Western Conference finals. The Oklahoma City Thunder could barely keep up against a spurred team but notched up 105 points.
Prior to these round of games, NBA players had planned a boycott of the playoffs owing to Sterling’s off court misdemeanour. That surely would have created a lacuna of perspiring fun for lovers of the game as expectations to the climax of the season heightens. The Spurs showed how much a planned boycott would have hurt the tempo of the playoffs if it had gone on ahead. A similar argument can be made for the brilliant outcome for Indiana Pacers in Game 1 against the Miami Heat.
Can the Spurs go on to claim the series with their dogged display from last night’s matchup with the Thunder? That’s the poser that makes each game night eagerly anticipated for as competition for a Final berth heats up at this stage. San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder are familiar with the terrain of this period given their participation last year. Game 2 would make for an interesting watch given the caliber of players in the ranks of both teams.
Tim Duncan offered a glimpse of what should be expected as he started the rally scoring 12 of 27 points in the first quarter. Duncan was a predictable addition in his games while on the court; but after last night it would not be easy to account for him. Even Scott Brown, Thunder coach said of him, “he used to always make the ones from the 45-degree angle off the board, but now he can make them all over the floor.” Duncan got the better of Kevin Durant, forcing the latter to guard.
By the end of the first half and with Duncan’s prevailing performance, Spurs were well on their way to a 67-point lead. Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green all got into the groove of things to make a stand on home court. Parker may not be as dramatic as Russell Westbrook but he was equally as effective scoring 14 points and had 12 assists. Judging by the first night, the game has just begun.
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