After Game 1 thumping, Spurs expect different Thunder team Monday

Spurs won 124-92 Saturday night

(Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

SAN ANTONIO – When the San Antonio Spurs take the floor against Oklahoma City Thunder for Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals, they are expecting to see a completely different Thunder team.

"They are going to play harder. Try to pressure us. Try to deny everything. Just try to be extra focused," Tony Parker said.

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"We expect them to shoot the ball better, execute better, we have to be more prepared," David West said.

The Spurs blew out the Thunder Saturday night, at one point building at 43-point lead, in a 124-92 victory. San Antonio shot 81 percent in the first quarter and finished the game at 61 percent.

"We have to swing first," Kevin Durant said. "We have to figure out better ways to make it tough on them."

The Thunder talked about being more aggressive on those pick and rolls the Spurs drilled them with. The main reason: LaMarcus Aldridge scored 38 points.

Not only do the Spurs expect OKC to play harder, but they will be making other adjustments as well.

Andre Roberson will start the game guarding Kawhi Leonard. Leonard, the two time defensive player of the year, had a big night on offense against the Thunder scoring 25 points. Even though LaMarcus Aldridge led the team with 38, Kawhi's performance was enough to warrant a change.

"My job on this team is to stop their best player I am going to out there and do my best on Kawhi and hopefully shut him down," Roberson said.

Durant started Game 1 defending Leonard, but coaches put Roberson on Leonard in the second half.

Tall order but he just has to go out there and "create havoc."

The Spurs are preparing for several other changes. They are also trying to prepare not have a letdown after such a lopsided Game 1 win.

"The tendency is to be satisfied so you get to worry about the next one because it is a natural tendency. Hopefully we don't fall for that," said Manu Ginobil.

One worry, or two, keeping Durant and Russell Westbrook in check for a second game in a row.

"Of course K.D. (Kevin Durant) and Russell (Westbrook) didn't like what happened so they are going to push it and we are going to have to be ready."


About the Author:

David Sears, a native San Antonian, has been at KSAT for more than 20 years.