No serge, no win !

The San Antonio Spurs still are not convinced that Serge Ibaka is out for the remainder of the NBA Playoffs.  Prior to game one of the Western Conference Finals Ibaka missed only three games in his career.  Scott Brooks is adamant that his 24 year old power-forward will not be returning this postseason.

Ibaka's presence was definitely missed in game one.  San Antonio outscored OKC 66-32 in the paint.  Ibaka not playing affects the Thunder on both sides of  the ball.  In recent years he has developed into one of the most efficient players around the basket in the NBA.

OKC's need for a true third scorer is apparent with Ibaka out of the line-up.  Since James Harden's departure the team has failed to make up his production.  Now that Ibaka is out their lack of another offensive threat rises to the surface.

With their game one victory the Spurs Hall Of Fame trio tied Magic Johnson, Michael Cooper and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most playoff wins together.  The Spurs are in the midst of a historic run that began in 1999.  The only other team in NBA history that has been good for this long a time period are the great Boston Celtics of the late 50's an 60's.

Tony Parker didn't look as if his injured hamstring bothered him much. The former finals MVP scored 14 points and dished out 12 assist in 36 minutes.  The Thunder must keep Tony out of the lane if they hope to move on to the NBA Finals.  He has been a fixture around the basket for years.  At only 6'1, he has led the NBA in points in the paint on multiple occasions.

The last time these two teams met in the playoffs Kawhi Leonard was a relatively unknown rookie.  Kevin Durant had his way with Leonard the entire series.  Two years later he has developed into one of the Spurs best players.  Scott Brooks must come up with a way to keep
Leonard under wraps.  OKC already has their hands full with the likes of Parker, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili.


OKC is at their best backed into a corner.  I expect the young gunners from the Midwest to respond with an emotional performance in game two.  Kevin does not want to see his magical MVP season go up in flames.