Keys to the game
Due to the Spurs being so expertly coached, the right shots are taken by the right players at the right times. DeRozan is the master of the mid-range game. Aldridge is fantastic around the hoop, but can also step out beyond the arc and connect. Rudy Gay has a similar ability. Then there are the outside shooters in Bryn Forbes and Patty Mills who can get hot very easily.
The Spurs are usually at the lower end of the NBA in 3-point shots attempted but they are usually at the upper end for efficiency. Over the years this has been a critical component of their success.
How the OKC Thunder defense is able to disrupt these Spurs’ strengths is going to be crucial to the outcome of the game. Terrance Ferguson’s life is not about to get any easier as he takes on DeRozan as his next defensive assignment.
This, however, is not the key match up to the game. That would be the matchup between Steven Adams and Aldridge, as the Spurs superstar is always dangerous.
My mind hearkens back to the double-overtime game at the start of the year where Aldridge scored 56 points to help the Spurs outlast the Thunder 154-147. Adams will need to be at his athletic best to defend Aldridge and potentially tire him out with his rim running on offense.