TEAM LEADERS | |||
Points | Rebounds | Assists | |
SPURS | Manu Ginobili 21.4 | Tim Duncan 9.5 | Tony Parker 8.2 |
THUNDER | Kevin Durant 28.9 | Serge Ibaka 7.9 | Russell Westbrook 7.8 |
Both teams are coming off victories, the Thunder (5-3) are coming from a 110-108 win over the Portland Trail Blazers last Friday and will look to win their third straight. The Spurs (7-1) are on a six game winning streak and have defeated teams with .500 or below records, their latest victory was a 116-93 blowout against the Philadelphia 76ers.·
Kevin Durant leads the league in scoring at 28.9 points per game and has averaged 27.7 points against the Spurs over his career. In their last game (March 22) against the Spurs, Durant scored 45 points in 99-96 Thunder loss.
The Spurs are off to their best start since 2007-2008 but will have a real test against the Thunder.
KEYS TO THE GAME
SPURS:
Defense — The key is to make life harder for Durant on offense. However, they also have to be wary of Russell Westbrook’s play-making and ability to involve his teammates on offense.
THUNDER:
Offense — The offense starts with Kevin Durant and he will get some help from Russel Westbrook, Jeff Green and Serge Ibaka.
Defense — It will be key for them to limit the Spurs’ inside game, but they also have to be wary of the Spurs outside shots. The Spurs are currently shooting 42.7% from beyond the arc — currently best in the NBA.
INJURIES·
Spurs — George Hill – trapezius muscle (day-to-day), James Anderson – stress fracture (out).
Thunder — Jeff Green – ankle (day-to-day), Nick Collison – knee (out).