NBA Western Conference Finals: Game 4

In the past two nights we have had to contrasting styles of NBA basketball. One grind it out, low scoring, physically defensive slug fest in the East (that reached 184points combined with OT) and a flowing, offensively focused, execution based heavyweight bout in the West (212 points in regulation).

WCF Game 4: Thunder 109 - Spurs 103;

In an absolutely crucial game 4, the Thunder and their home crowd came out roaring. They knew how key it was to tie up the series before returning to San Antonio, where they now need to win at least one game (Spurs are currently 6-0 at home in the playoffs), thanks to the inspired play of Kevin Durant and the Thunder front court.

There were many questions before the game; What adjustments would Popovich make after the game 3 mauling? Could the Spurs halt their turnovers against this active OKC defense? Could Parker shake lose Sefolosha to free himself up and get this Spurs squad going? 

Blair finally got time. Effective too. No really

To address the above Popovich started with the same lineup to start the game, while running the same high screen and roll game that brought success throughout the playoffs this year. The spurs ball movement was better, more precise and quicker from strong to weak side. One of the expected introductions was DeJaun Blair, known as the "Thunder Killer" in Oklahoma, although this wasn't till midway through the 3rd Quarter. His contribution was immediate,  which involves clogging the lane, playing tough basketball on both ends and keeping the Thunder bigs occupied as the Spurs closed the quarter on an 18-7 run shortly after his introduction.

The Spurs stopped all form of turnovers, committing 10 for the game, 6 of which were uncharacteristically from Manu Ginobli. This limited the transition fast break points for the Thunder, which wasn't of great importance this game as OKC decided that they can pass and execute just as well as their counterparts.

Parker was again limited to a low output, 12points on 5-15 shooting, with just 4 assists. He needs to find a way to get around Sefolosha's smothering defense if he has any intention of making an impact on this series.

You mean we are allowed shots tonight?

The Thunder were paced by their big men in this one. Perkins, Collison and Ibaka combined for 22-25 shooting (49points and 16rbs combined). Serge Ibaka was historically good, shooting a perfect 11-11FG and 4-4FT (2nd best "perfect" shooting performance in NBA playoff history), dropping in layups, putbacks, dunks and 18 foot jump shots. This stretched the Spurs defense, catching them unaware and made Pop's troops play a game of pick your poison.


With the OKC big men deciding this was the game for their breakout party, Harden and Westbrook struggled shooting a combined 6-23 (18pts/12ast/11rbs combined). However, Westbrook in particular, acknowledged early on his touch was off (2-10) and adjusted accordingly. He moved the ball on the perimeter, kept the Spurs on their toes with his drive and kick game while playing all world defense on the Spurs ball handlers.

Kid Clutch. Durantuala. Mr 4th Quarter. Or just KD.

Finally, Kevin Durant, will show up in the final segment of this report just as he did in the final quarter of game 4 for OKC. With the period opening up 75-71 in advantage of the home team and Duncan keeping it to withing 4 at 86-82, Durant took over. He proceeded to score 18 of his 36 points (36pts/8ast/6rbs) in the final 7minutes. At one point Durant scored 16 straight points for Thunder, which was interrupted only by a dump off pass from Durant through a double team to an open Harden for a back breaking 3. He used floaters, fadeaways, post up move and alleyoops to put the nail in San Antonio, showing an array of moves that few can rival in the league. Durant scored over Parker, Jackson and Leonard in the stretch as he adjusted to whatever the Spurs threw his way and made them pay with either superior quickness, height or length. Despite this after the game KD stated he believes he can continue to improve in these situations and grow as a player, showing humility and the drive that got him to this stage in the first place. Gary Neal afterward plainly said "all you can do is hope he misses" and Pop calmly snapped "he witnessed Durant take over" with no defensive scheme standing a chance.

"Eww whats that on his head?"

Game 5 is tonight, back in San Antonio with what sets to be a pivotal point in the series. Will the Spurs finally lose on home field? Can the OKC role players turn up again? Will Durant burn them for more than just a quarter now that they have left home comforts?

Prediction - I'm going to be bold and go for OKC by 10.

Highlights above.