Matchup of the Game: Spurs vs. Thunder
The matchup of the game when Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the San Antonio Spurs is between Tony Parker and Russell Westbrook.
In their last meeting, both players had great games with 14 points and 11 assists from Parker and 18 points, 5 assists, and 8 rebounds from Westbrook.
San Antonio will likely be without guard Manu Ginobili (quad contusion) and that will have Parker take more of the scoring for the team and likely play more minutes than he would.
Tony will need to control the game early and hope Westbrook's shots aren't falling from the perimeter, giving him more possessions for his team and also keeping the ball out of the hands out of any other Thunder player. He will have to use pick-and-rolls against OKC and have their defense move around and find an open look for a teammate.
With Parker's penetration and scoring, it'll be easier if he can get to the paint.
Parker shot 57% (4-7) from the paint in their last meeting compared to Westbrook's 37% (3-8). Parker will have to use his whole arsenal against the Thunder to replace Manu's absence from tear drop, mid range jumpers, and his newly found 3 point shot.
If the Spurs want to win this game, they'll have to find Parker the easiest shots possible and make their bigs move from the paint to allow penetration.
The Spurs were no match to the Thunder frontcourt. Unless the Spurs make some upgrading, expect them to lose again to the likes of the Thunder, Knicks, Clippers and Jazz. The game tonight was so one-sided that coach Pop rested his first five. In fact, Green got a BIG FAT 0. Mgnt and the coaching staff is only too aware of this or they are consciuosly blind of it.
