NBA Playoff Recaps: San Antonio Smashes Oklahoma City

After Game 1, it seemed like pushing the panic button on Oklahoma City's chances to challenge San Antonio was premature. After Game 2, the panic button has been pushed, and it is right for everyone to freak out for a little while. San Antonio beat the brakes off the Thunder as they won 112-77 in a 35-point playoff defeat, one of Oklahoma City's worst losses with a big night from Danny Green and a healthy effort from Tony Parker plus what will happen with Oklahoma City in the following two games.

Green became one of the biggest X-factors in the 2013 NBA Playoffs for San Antonio. In fact, he became one of the biggest storylines of the NBA Finals last year only to fall off in the last couple games. Green had his best night from shooting beyond the arc which helped San Antonio push out their lead in the second and third quarter.  The game remained close into the latter parts of the second half looking like we could get a close game between these two teams. Then Green happened in a major way. He helped push out the lead to 14 points by halftime and assisted in San Antonio's 33 point third quarter helping the Spurs go on a 43-14 run. In the second and third quarter, the Spurs outscored Oklahoma City, 67-36 and Green played a large part in it. In the last three games, Green is averaging 19.6 a game which is huge for this Spurs team.

Another major thing for the Spurs is the health of Tony Parker. He hurt his hamstring in Game 5 of the Portland game, and it appears he is all healed up. Parker had 22 points with five assists leading the scoring. Parker. He made 10 of 17 shots doing usual Parker things in the paint. One of the more unexpected things about the first two games is how Parker is still playing at such a high level going up against Russell Westbrook. Maybe I overvalued Westbrook's defense, or Parker is much better than I give him credit for. Regardless, he played great for a second straight game and appears he is back in full force. Hopefully, Parker stays healthy throughout the remainder of the playoffs.

Oklahoma City is in a state of flux. It is not just Serge Ibaka anymore either. Kevin Durant and Westbrook combined for 30 points with shooting 13/40 from the field making 1/9 from three. That's terrible. There is no way to describe it any other way. It is evident Durant and Westbrook are trying to do too much out there right now, and that's a problem for Oklahoma City. Neither of these two guys could have saved the Thunder last night as they had no else scoring for them. Jeremy Lamb got most of his points in garbage time, and the rest of the starting lineup had four total points. Someone not named Durant or Westbrook needs to step up in a major way for Oklahoma City, or this series could be over before we know it.

Does it look like San Antonio could sweep Oklahoma City right out of the playoffs?  Yes it does. Do I think it will happen?  No I don't because the Thunder are too good to let San Antonio walk all over them for the entire playoffs.  Oklahoma City needs more scoring in the starting lineup. I don't know if that means going small putting Durant as a four, but something needs to change before it's too late. It doesn't need to be said, but Game 3 is a must-win for Oklahoma City on Sunday night.

Charlie.