The Oklahoma City Thunder are once again at risk of getting eliminated from the postseason. With the Miami Heat already having punched their ticket to the finals, the Thunder are hoping they can fight to force a Game 7. Getting home court advantage will help, but their blowout loss to the San Antonio Spurs might still be playing in the back of their minds.
The Thunder appeared to be set for a comeback. After Serge Ibaka back into the mix, the Thunder dominated games 3 and 4 to tie the series up. However, that failed to work in Game 6. The Spurs got the Game 5 win with perimeter shooting. Matt Bonner and Boris Diaw helped spread the floor, creating space for Tim Duncan to work inside. Bonner got his first start of the season and fed off Duncan. Diaw started the second half to put up seven points in the third quarter alone. At one point, San Antonio had a 20-point lead as the Thunder were being forced into situations they could not handle.
Ibaka suddenly was being drawn away from the basket to defend the perimeter. As one of the league's best shot blockers, he struggled. Head coach Scott Brooks noted that the Ibaka might play the center position more in order for him to stay under the basket. Kevin Durant agreed that a different lineup would be necessary.
The Spurs shot 50 percent from the field each time they win a game. If the Thunder are going to win, they must step up on defense. Oklahoma City does have one stat working for them. The home team has won every game this series. Getting Game 6 at home could give the Thunder a solid chance at forcing a Game 7. The home team has won by at least nine points and an average of 20.4 per game.
Kevin Durant has become no stranger to blowout losses. The Thunder have looked very bad at times during this postseason. The Game 5 loss was a confidence crusher, but getting 6 in front of the home crowd can help the team's chances. The Spurs will continue to ride their veteran shooting experience and aim to close out the series and prepare to face the Miami Heat once again.
Watch Spurs vs. Thunder Game 6 live stream, click here.
