In a league where success has become predicated upon having a superstar and sidekick, the Spurs continue to roll over the competition when it matters the most.
Regular season? Gregg Popovich's strategy was simple: Inflate the team's record by winning the games that were expected to be won, and resting/learning from the primetime match-ups with the league's top 7.
The end result was a 62-20 record, a #1 overall seed, and healthy veterans ready to lead another long playoff run.
Now? A 15 and 16 point margin of victory in the 2nd and 3rd quarters against OKC in Game 2 last night in San Antonio.
Pop knows his team, knows the chemistry, and knows which players to invest 2-3 years on to eventually complement the dynasty he's already built (See: Kawhi Leonard).
Let's not forget this is the same OKC team from 2012 that lost the first 2 against SA before winning 4 straight before losing to the Heat 4-1 in the NBA Finals. Despite being Ibaka-less, Durant and Westbrook have the offensive prowess to lead OKC to, at the very least, a competitive 6 or 7 game series against the Spurs.
In the end, though, I don't foresee San Antonio blowing it this time around. Thirsty after last year's debacle against Miami, Timmy Duncan is thirsty for his fifth ring. Duncan will stick around for a couple years, but for Manu, I don't see his elderly, niche style of play holding up for much longer.
Spurs win series 4-1.
The Miami series is nigh impossible to predict at this point.
Which Wade will show up?
Where has Bosh been?
Is Paul George's concussion a factor?
Can Hibbert revive his 2013 Miami match-up playoff form?
If LeBron decides to rely on his teammates (which is a perfectly reasonable assumption), then I see Miami winning in 7.
If he expends the extra 30-50% energy needed to dominate like we all know he's capable of, it's Miami in 5 or 6.
Unfortunately, we have to wait until Saturday evening at 8:30 to see the Pacers on the road at American Airlines Arena.
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