The Western Conference Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Oklahoma Thunder will start Monday, May 16, at the Oracle Arena. The Spurs’ “beautiful game” of passing went by the wayside. Russell (Westbrook) was huge last game.
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Despite the impending retirement of Duncan and Ginobili, the Spurs will still be in good hands as Gregg Popovich is still manning the team, Bleacher Report reported.
Stephen Curry surprised coach Steve Kerr with how quickly he found his groove the past two playoff games after returning from a knee injury, even with a few more misses than usual for the NBA’s two-time MVP.
It’s fair to say that no team has really figured out how to dominate or win a series against the Warriors. “It’s not there right now, but if we had a game tonight, I’d be fine”. “We are confident in ourselves”. Playing for the Spurs has to be an intriguing option for any player in the National Basketball Association, but KD is not just any player, he is a bonafide superstar. They’re a good team. Golden State is a great team. “It will be a great challenge”. So we played him as much as we possibly could because he earned the minutes. Donovan’s key adjustment in that series was playing Adams and Enes Kanter together for big minutes, which allowed Oklahoma City to obliterate San Antonio on the boards – particularly in offensive rebounding. Of course, it’s disappointing when you don’t end up winning the last game.
Leaning back against a white, cinder-block wall and wearing a black shirt after the Spurs’ 113-99 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Duncan left questions about his future plans unanswered, saying, “I’ll get to that after I get out of here and figure out life”. The Spurs used a lineup of Tony Parker, Ginobili, Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge and Danny Green.
The two combined for 65 points last night. That led to another dunk by Durant and a 101-88 advantage with 3:06 left. Durant, 27, has averaged a blistering 27.4 points per game through 11 playoff contests thus far.
The Thunder looked like the Spurs often do in the first half, running an efficient offense while committing just three turnovers. His 19 points on 7-for-14 shooting was his second-highest total of the season.
“We’re not done yet”, Durant said. “We’ve improved, gotten better, and this is an opportunity for us to continue to grow for our team”.
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The Oklahoma City forward is sure to have a lot of speculation following him once this season comes to an end as he’s set to hit the open market on July 1. “That’s it”, said Duncan. He will need to step up his play. “We were one or two stops from winning”, said Portland guard Damian Lillard, who led the Blazers with 36 points and 10 assists. Oklahoma City outrebounded San Antonio 50-40 on Thursday. “We know it’s going to be one hell of a battle”.
