San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Matchups
Tony Parker vs Russell Westbrook= slight edge Tony Parker
Why: Tony Parker went off for 42 points earlier this year against Westbrook in a huge San Antonio win. Not only is Parker fearless of Russell Westbrook but he runs the San Antonio offense with more balance and is less turnover prone than Westbrook. This is no slight to Russell who in his own right is amongst the best Point Guards in the NBA and has managed to played near perfect in this years playoffs. I just can't go against the veteran leadership and craftiness of Parker in this match up.
Danny Green vs. Thabo Sefolosha=Danny Green
Why: If you ask me Thabo Sefolosha just takes up a roster spot. He virtually provides nothing offensively while playing above average Defense, somehow this has earned him the moniker of defensive specialist, I just don't see it, but hey to each is own. Danny Green has been a great addition to the Spurs this season and has stepped up huge in the playoffs. If he continues to knock down big threes and plays solid defense against Russell Westbrook he can be a big key to the Spurs success.
Kawhi Leonard vs Kevin Durant=Kevin Durant
Why: Kawhi Leonard is a pretty good defender who has scratched the surface of his NBA talent and his found his niche this season, but come on this is Kevin Durant were talking about. No questions or explanations here the NBA's best player Durant will get his and get it in bunches.
Tim Duncan vs. Serge Ibaka=Tim Duncan
Why: Serge Ibaka will be in foul trouble this whole series. Even at 36 years old Tim Duncan is one of the best Power Forwards in the game and his playoff averages of 17.6 ppg and 9.0 rpg while shooting an efficient 59% from the field in the semifinals against Blake Griffin and the L.A. Clippers is living proof. With Kendrick Perkins having to guard around the 3 point line and Tim Duncan being allowed to work one on one for most of the series, expect Duncan's craftiness and patience to have Ibaka sidelined for most of the series, enter Nick Collison.
Boris Diaw vs. Kendrick Perkins= slight edge Boris Diaw
Why: This not a good match up for Kendrick Perkins. Although Perk is a good low post defender, Boris Diaw's all- around stretch the floor type of game will give the rather slow-footed Perkins fits. Taking Perk away from the rim will open up the boards for the Spurs bigs this could be a huge battle in the series.
6th man battle
Manu Ginobli vs. James Harden=slight edge James Harden
Why: Both players are cooks but at this point in their careers the newly named NBA 6th Man of the Year Harden prepares better meals.
Bench
Spurs vs. Thunder= San Antonio Spurs by a long shot
Why: Stephen Jackson, Tiago Splitter, Manu Ginobli, Gary Neal, Dejuan Blair, and red-haired sharpshooter Matt Bonner whose bench is competing with that?
Outlook: San Antonio is just a much deeper team. Not only are they not afraid of Kevin Durant and co. but their core has been here too many times to take this opportunity for granted. This could possibly be Manu Ginobli and Tim Duncan's last chances to win a NBA title, and with Tim Duncan on a quest for his 5th ring, nobody is going to get in the way of that. A youthful Oklahoma City Thunder squad is only a year away from hoisting the Larry O'Brien.
Winner=Spurs in 6
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