The 2013 NBA Playoffs saw its first second round matchup complete as the San Antonio Spurs will host the Golden State Warriors. The matchup features the No. 2 and No. 6 seeds of the Western Conference. Here's their matchup, who to watch for and how they got here.
The Spurs and Warriors have completely different styles. For the most part, the Spurs play traditional basketball, almost what many consider boring basketball. They run pick and rolls, they will kill you defensively and they seem to play the most organized basketball in the league. On the other hand, the Warriors will live and die by the jumper. They showed a bit of fusion in the playoffs as they were able to also run against the Denver Nuggets. The mixture of running and being able to sink jumpers from all over the floor brought the Warriors success as they reversed the rolls on the Nuggets and were able to outscore them in four of their six games.
Let's put it like this, because both teams' styles contrast greatly, the team that imposes their style of basketball on the other is going to win the series.
Best at What They Do?
Two guys to follow in this series: Stephen Curry and Tony Parker
Parker is up there on the list of underrated players. Never mind that he has three championships or a five-time All-Star. Since Parker isn't super athletic or blessed with intimidating stature, he flies under the radar. What is Parker? Super crafty. He can finish at the basket like Derrick Rose and split defenders like a Chris Paul, but he's really not that explosive. Despite any deficiencies in Parker's game, some might consider him the best point guard in the game.
One guy who has provided explosives from beyond the arc is Mr. Curry. He's hit 23 threes in six games while shooting 43 percent from downtown. If Parker is the best point guard, then Curry is the best shooting guard, as a matter of fact, they are claiming Curry is the best shooter in the game. Period.
Spurs & Warriors Stats from 1st Round
The Spurs played less games against a weaker opponent having defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in four games, so their stats might be bloated. You can also look at it as the Spurs never reached their full potential. They averaged 104 points in their first four games against the Lakers while allowing just 84 points.
The Warriors will have to play defense in this matchup as the Spurs present themselves as an offensive force when their game is at their best. The Warriors averaged around 107 points per game while allowing 103 through their first six playoff games.
The Spurs and Warriors tied their season series 2-2 with both teams winning their home games. Advantage Spurs? You will have to tune in to find out.
Second Round Bracket:
Miami Heat
vs.
Brooklyn Nets/Chicago Bulls (Series tied 3-3)
New York Knicks/Boston Celtics (NY leads 3-2)
vs.
Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Haws (IND leads 3-2)
Oklahoma City Thunder/Houston Rockets (OKC leads 3-2)
vs.
Memphis Grizzlies/Los Angeles Clippers (MEM leads 3-2)
