San Antonio Spurs implode in the Game 6 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder – NBA Feature
The San Antonio Spurs became the 15th team to lose a playoff series after winning the first two games when they lost game 6 to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. Moreover, they became only the third team to
lose four straight games after winning the first two games and blew away the largest lead in the playoff history of the Spurs franchise.
It all happened so fast that no one could comprehend what had just transpired. The Spurs started the game hot from the field and seemed to be executing the game plan that had worked for them all season and had been the reason behind
their 20 game winning streak. They led by as many as 18 points at one instant, shooting 9 of 15 from beyond the arc in the first half.
And then things changed completely in the 2nd half. The Thunder took the lead for the first time in the game in the closing minutes of the third period. OKC then played aggressive basketball in the final period to get
the job done. They took 8 free throw attempts in a stretch in the fourth period and scored on 7 of those attempts.
Durant’s brilliance and clutch three pointers by Derek Fisher and James Harden had the game locked as the Thunder crowd erupted in celebration. But, how did that happen, especially after such a good start?
The Spurs lost because of two main reasons, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. Ginobili was coming off a 34 point performance in game 5 but followed that with only 10 points in game 6, even though he started the game. He was 4 of 12
from the field.
Parker meanwhile was coming off a mediocre game 5 but looked great in the first half, driving into the lane and finding Tim Duncan in the paint or Stephen Jackson at the perimeter.
When he was not distributing the ball, he was making layups and cutting the defense from all sides. He had 21 points and 10 assists in the first half. And then it all changed in the 2nd half, where he had only 8 points
and 2 assists.
Parker was the key for the Spurs in game 6 and we saw proof of that in the first half. When he was playing well, the Spurs seemed unstoppable. But when he slowed down in the 2nd half, the Spurs lost it all together.
And the Thunder are too good a team to give their opponents a second shot at success.
Even in game 5 when Ginobili scored 34 points, Parker was not at his best and as a result, the Spurs lost the game.
Asked after the game what happened to his performance in the 2nd half, Parker said:
“I don’t know. I don’t what happened. I tried to find Timmy [Duncan]. I don’t know what happened. It’s too early.”
The Spurs now enter the offseason disappointed with the way their season ended, after sparking one of the best win streaks in NBA history. They had everything going for them, almost destined to clinch another NBA title. Now, they
have tough decisions to make. The first of the decisions will be the future of Tim Duncan. The decision on his future will ultimately decide which direction the team will now take.
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