2012 NBA Playoffs - Western Conference Finals

The Spurs and Thunder have made it clear in these playoffs that they are leaps and bounds above any other teams in the Western Conference. The Spurs have yet to lose, while the Thunder have only lost once. I was once skeptical of the Spurs but how can you pick against a team that hasn't lost in 18 straight games? The Thunder showed that they could be beaten against the Lakers, and were lucky to escape with wins in two of the five games. That being said, can the Spurs Big Three keep up with the Thunder's much more youthful Big Three of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden?

#1 San Antonio Spurs vs. #2 Oklahoma City Thunder

Both teams are basically even in the major statistical categories. The Spurs have edges in assists per game and a slight edge in points allowed per game. Both teams have high scoring offenses, fantastic point guards, and effective big men. The point guard battle between the veteran Tony Parker and the young pup Westbrook will be a gem. Parker can score as he led the Spurs in scoring but likes dishing the ball more, as evidenced by his 7.7 assists per game. Westbrook is a shoot first point guard, which has been to the consternation of some at times. However, you can't argue with the success he had against the Lakers. That being said, it will be quite a step up in competition from Ramon Sessions and Steve Blake to Parker. When the teams have to go to their benches, the Spurs will have a major advantage with Gary Neal on the court against the aging Derek Fisher.

At shooting guard the Spurs now start Danny Green but Manu Ginobli still receives pretty significant playing team. Both are very good shooters and can hit shots from just about anywhere. The Thunder also have two successful shooting guards in Thabo Sefalosha and Harden. Much like the Spurs rotation, Sefalosha starts over Harden, despite Harden being the better player.

The matchup to watch will be how the Spurs defend Durant. Will they trust rookie Kawhi Leonard to guard him, or will Stephen Jackson see an increase in minutes. Duncan or DeJuan Blair won't be able to keep up with Durant, so it will be Leonard and Jackson's responsibilities to do what they can to not allow Durant to go off every single game.

The post battle will be Tim Duncan and Boris Diaw against Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins. Duncan labored through a tough regular season but has looked like the Duncan of old thus far in the playoffs. He will have his hands full going against bruisers like Ibaka and Perkins. Diaw plays only for his defense and Tiago Splitter has been seeing more and more time off of the bench. Nazr Mohammed sees some playing time off the bench for the Thunder.

Both teams are excellent, but the Spurs are just a little better. They have a fantastic coach and play so well and flawlessly as a team. Nothing seems to rattle them and they have the perfect mix of veterans and younger players. As I said above, you can't pick against a team as hot as the Spurs right now. The Thunder's time will eventually come but for now the Spurs will take one step closer to adding to their already sparkling legacy.

Prediction: Spurs over Thunder, 4-2