Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs – NBA Preview
On Friday night Oklahoma City Thunder will be hosting the game against San Antonio Spurs here at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. Both teams have won 1 game each in their previous 2 encounters. Oklahoma City holds an impressive 18-3
record at home while Spurs are currently having an outstanding road trip winning 9 of their last 10 games. A win on Friday, will move them closer in displacing the Thunder atop the Western Conference.
Spurs will be entering the arena with an upper hand after the last victory; they edged out Thunder 107-96 on 4th of February at AT&T Center. Tony Parker was unstoppable that night as he tallied an impressive 42 points
against the NBA’s hottest team. Kawhi Leonard had 15 points and Tim Duncan recorded 13 for Spurs, who led the game in the 1st three quarters and handed over a double digit defeat to Oklahoma City.
Kevin Durant netted 22 and James Harden collected 19 coming off the bench for Thunder that night.
One cannot rule out the possibility of another jaw dropping performance from Tony Parker on Friday. The veteran is averaging 20.1 points to go with 8.0 assists per game in this season while he has scored more than 30 points in
his last 3 games.
He is currently acting as a centre piece for Spurs and delivered another bewildering performance on Wednesday against Orlando Magic; collecting 16 of his 31 points in the 4th to help his team bank a 122-111 victory.
Tim Duncan, who netted 21 and had 13 boards, was all praise for him.
"He was great and he took control of the game," said Tim Duncan, who finished with 21 points and 13 rebounds. "He's been the guy for us all year long and he's controlling the game. He's making the right passes and making the shots
when he has too. He's been unbelievable."
San Antonio's defence has been strengthened after the arrival of Stephen Jackson from Golden State Warriors. The experienced veteran with 10.5 point per game average will be helpful in the upcoming endeavour.
On the other hand Thunder are boosted by their 103-90 victory over Denver Nuggets on Thursday, even though they were playing without Nene Hilario, who has been traded off to Washington Wizards in a deal that placed Ronny Turiaf
and JaVale McGee on Oklahoma City bench.
Kevin Durant is averaging 27.8 points and 8.0 rebounds per game in this season and he will be the catalyst behind any upturn of fortunes for his team.
"We moved the ball and moved it quickly and got the good hockey assist and we made the shots," Durant said. "And once we make shots and once we defend with all your heart, it is a fun game."
To behold a match between the two Western Conference giants will be a treat for the fans and it will keep them on the edge of their seats.
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