What We Can Learn From the Spurs

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.

Another Blown Win

The Wizards' strengths in the Chicago series have turned into the worst of weaknesses against the Pacers. After a Game 1 win in Indiana, the Wiz have dropped 3 straight -- 2 at home -- and face a 3-1 series deficit upon their game tomorrow.

What happened?

1. Paul George
2. Roy Hibbert
3. The third quarter
4. The inability to step on the Pacers' throats

Ariza hasn't been effective in stopping Paul George, who set a playoff career high with 39 points in Game 4. That's three consecutive games where he's been more productive, efficient, and effective in leading the Pacers' backcourt.

Hibbert is awake. He heard the criticism after his 0-0, 5 foul Game 1. No more, he says. A 28-9 Game 2 effort was followed by a 14-5 Game 3, then 17-9 in Game 4. He has 2-3 blocks per game, but more importantly, is severely altering Washington's shots in the paint, which is almost as good as a turnover (especially if Andre Miller is driving).

The Wiz Kids are getting DOMINATED in the 3rd quarter; Indiana has outscored them by an increasing amount in each game's 3rd period (6, 6, 14, 17). Coming out flat, ceasing to run a transition offense, and settling for contested jumpers are all contributors to this statistic.

It's no secret that the Wiz were up by 17 at halftime and 19 after a quick bucket to start the 3rd. And then came the collapse.

In spurts.

Up 17... up 10.

Up 14... up 7.

Game-changing moment: Up 9, Bradley Beal misses an uncontested, reverse right-handed layup. Indiana hits a 3. 

Then the Pacers cut it to 2, and at that point, it was anyone's game.

If the Wizards don't learn how to "Spur" their games, making a 20 point lead into 30, effectively cutting off their opponent's oxygen supply, the next level will never be reached.

Am I still confident about the Wizards' chances, down 3-1?

Yes.

But at this point, I predict Indy in 7.

Game 5 prediction: 91-83, Wizards

Heat and Pacers Take a Cruise; Wiz Set for Game 2

Last night, the Spurs and Heat both made defining statements to open their independent series.

LeBron was LeBron; the Nets' veterans had no answer for his energy and versatile play. Garnett scored 0 in just 16 minutes, while The Truth had 8 in just under 30.

It was close until half, but the fatigue that set in for Brooklyn created an opportunity for the Heat to take over. Outscoring Brooklyn by 10 in the 3rd, the lead was 13 and that's all she took.

The Spurs and Trail Blazers game was the complete opposite. San Antonio led by 13 after 1, and 26 going into halftime. Parker was unstoppable, with 33 points and 9 assists for the game. Portland's Lillard will have his hands full this whole series.

Spurs are too deep to lose this. I call a 4-1 series win for the Texas juggernaut.

On to the real story...

Washington needs to stick with the playoff game plan they've been rolling with for 6 games now.

Its all about the boards. If Nene stays out of foul trouble, I can't fathom a Wizards loss.

Hibbert obviously needs to contribute more on the court. Jokes are made, but at the end of the day, he's a giant turning over zero stones, getting slayed by David every trip down the court.

West was upset with him after the game, as I'm sure were the entire Pacers squad. Larry Bird should have a few words with him...

It will be the Pacers who start off hot, and the Wizards who cap the comeback, reminiscent of Games 1 and 2 in Chicago. 

The airball that Bradley Beal shot on his second attempt during one trip to the line only made him stronger. His nerves were taken away in those 3 seconds, with the crowd jeering.

Prediction: 98-95, Wizards