OKC Thunder: 3 keys to winning series versus Spurs

The OKC Thunder finish up the first half schedule in San Antonio facing the Spurs. It’s the seventh back-to-back set this season for the Thunder. In the previous six sets, OKC has been swept on three occasions and split three other sets. Having lost in Dallas on Wednesday the best they can hope for is a split.

Notably, these teams just played last Wednesday in what was a very different circumstance as the Spurs were without numerous players who were dealing with NBA health and safety protocols.  San Antonio entered that match having not played a competitive game in 10 days and without several core members of their team.

The Spurs have alternated losses and wins since returning losing to the Thunder and in overtime to the Nets while beating the Pelicans and routing the Knicks. They’ll have the rest advantage having not played since Tuesday and because of the ease with which they took down the Knicks were able to play 11 players and not overextend any one player’s minutes. Dejounte Murray was the high mark with 30:53 playing time.

Following the game, the teams will embark on their All-Star break with none of the Thunder involved in the big game or special events in Atlanta although two players did receive recognition by being named to the Rising Stars rosters.

OKC Thunder key number 1: Finish first half strong

Every season there are four specific games cited as ones requiring extra focus. The games prior to and right after Christmas as well as the last game before the All-Star break and first game back.

These are notable games because understandably, players are like the rest of us. it’s easy to get caught up thinking about the holidays or vacation and just as easy to difficult to focus upon returning from those events.

Gregg Popovich and his Spurs are one of the best at staying locked in and playing to their identity but the Thunder has also proven to be adept in this regard this season.