OKC Thunder: 3 keys to defeating shorthanded Spurs
OKC Thunder key number 3: Don’t sleep on Spurs culture and identity
It’s no surprise the San Antonio Spurs top specific statistical categories. What is compelling is those specific areas aren’t necessarily the typical historical strengths Gregg Popovich’s teams have ruled.
Then again, no current coach in the NBA has proven to be a better coaching chameleon than Coach Pop. The twin tower era of David Robinson and Tim Duncan transitioned into the Duncan ‘Fundamental’ era into the Timmy, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili ball movement era into the LaMarcus Aldridge – DeMar DeRozan mid-range era.
But, with the current trend of the league toward positionless players, increased pace, and perimeter prowess it was inevitable Coach Pops would make the necessary tweaks.
A quick scan of the players the Spurs have drafted in recent years hints Pops was already leaning into the new movement. Dejounte Murray, Lonnie Walker IV, Devin Vassel, Derrick White, and Keldon Johnson are all in the 6’4 to 6’5″ range. That quintet offers the Spurs speed, two-way games, and is all fundamentally sound.
Many of those players will be out tonight but the player to key on is Dejounte Murray. He has a similar game and skillset to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The main difference is Murray is more of a defensive specialist but he’s capable offensively.
These two young guards will be matching up for years and offer optimism for both clubs.
The question is who Luguentz Dort will guard with DeRozan out and perhaps that player will be Walker unless Murray is hot early.
Either way, as shorthanded as the Spurs are, much like the Thunder proved in LA, teams with a cemented identity and culture can’t be taken lightly.