OKC Thunder seek redemption versus San Antonio Spurs – preview

The OKC Thunder start their next four-game road trip against their nemesis, the San Antonio Spurs. Gameday previews the keys to the match.

The OKC Thunder had an incredibly successful December. going 11-4 in the month. Along the way, they took down some big targets including rivals with history such as the Portland Trail Blazers, at the Moda Center.

The Thunder opens the 2020 calendar year against the other team which they have struggled against, the San Antonio Spurs. More specifically, big man, LaMarcus Aldridge. The 6’11” veteran has made a living in the NBA by being very good close to the hoop and in the mid-range, which is where he hurts the Thunder the most.

The OKC Thunder defense is strong in the paint with Steven Adams and Nerlens Noel. They have a tremendous squad of wings who defend the perimeter with intensity but that mid-range is a problem.

The other Spurs star is DeMar DeRozan and like Aldridge has made a career in the mid-range as well. It is easy to see why the OKC Thunder have struggled to beat the Spurs.

However, with the confidence which is being displayed by the Thunder throughout the last month perhaps it can translate into a win. The Spurs have not been at their best this season owning a 13-18 record. However, most recently they are 7-4 which moved them past several in the bottom tier to currently reside in the eighth seed in the Western Conference.

The Thunder have finally got their full playing roster back, with the exception of Andre Roberson of course. This means they can finally put in the rotations they want and stay playoff relevant. This was not a line I thought that I would have the pleasure of writing. This brings us to the keys of the game.