THUNDER vs. SPURS - 2012 WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS THREAD

[Boltman]

Quote: Originally Posted by 23

It was too early to post this thread its going to be like 20 pages before the game even starts

Agreed, should have gone up a day before the series started. But it's all good.

[Altimus]

Eh, as long as people are discussing the actual series then it shouldn't matter.

[JerzeyReign]

Taking away the usual suspects, who do y'all think will be the X-Factor in this series?

Usual Suspects:

OKC: Durant, Westbrook, Harden
SAS: Duncan, Ginobli, Parker

[The 24th Letter]

Quote: Originally Posted by JerzeyReign

Taking away the usual suspects, who do y'all think will be the X-Factor in this series? Usual Suspects: OKC: Durant, Westbrook, Harden SAS: Duncan, Ginobli, Parker

The chess match of how OKC will guard SAs two stretch 4s without giving up too much paint presence should be interesting....

[Mikeatris]

I have said Spurs in 5 before this series even started and I am going to stick by it. If I am wrong oh well but I don't change predictions once I give them unless it is a drastic change. So SAS in 5.

[SuperChargers]

I see Kawhi and S-Jax being the wild cards for the spurs. They should be able to get some good looks. I believe OKC will be busy and/or tired from guarding all of the other threats.

[wwharton]

Quote: Originally Posted by ProfessaPackMan

Honestly I think his shot selection isn't really much different than what it was last year except that his shot is falling in. That same pullup jumper that he was bricking like crazy last year, which drove some people crazy is falling in now. And to think people actually said they should trade him or let him walk and start Eric Maynor instead of signing him.

The shots may not be all that different but I think the shot "selection" is. He took a ton of pull up jumpers last year, but they were ill advised and heavily guarded. So far this year (in the playoffs) he seems to be reading high screens properly or pulling up in the same area right around the foul line when the D falls off. I think even if he were missing these shots he wouldn't get criticized for them... good decisions.

I also feel like he tried to get at the rim way too much last year. Pretty much what Harden's doing now, lol, but Westbrook was trying to dunk or get fouled every time and that act wore thin. Overall, he seems to be making smarter decisions with his shots. It seems like the rotation with him and Harden has been better too... maybe another year of experience helping to increase Harden's role and impact has helped Westbrook too.

I also feel like the forum didn't really go off on Westbrook until the conference finals so we may need to pump the brakes on this for a min.

Quote: Originally Posted by ajven643

As much as I hate to say this, I dont think that OKC will win four games this series. I Think that the biggest matchup will be Parker and Westbrook, and Westbrook is too inconsistent defensively to slow him down.

If you don't think they'll win 4 games then you basically just think the Spurs will win? Likely in 7 (with OKC winning 3 games)?

[3rdAnswer]

Spurs in 4.