2012 NBA Playoffs: 3 Things OKC Must Do to Take Down the Spurs

The two best teams in the West have both sailed through the playoffs, and both meet their toughest challenge yet in the Conference Finals.

San Antonio, winners of 18 straight, takes on Oklahoma City, who dismantle the past two champions. Both have played fabulous basketball and are sure to represent the West well in the Finals.

While both have undoubtedly met their standards this year, one will succumb and finish second in the conference. The favorite to win is San Antonio, who swept Utah and the Clippers and has home-court advantage.

However, Oklahoma City is definitely capable of upsetting the Thunder, as the scoring champion, Kevin Durant, resides in Oklahoma City. Russell Westbrook and James Harden aren't too bad either. However, the Thunder will need to do some things before wrapping up the West.

Here are three things the Thunder need to do to win the West.

Perform in the Clutch

This is a must for the Thunder.

These games will likely come down to the wire because both teams are well matched. Oklahoma City has excelled down the stretch so far, winning three games on Kevin Durant's last shot.

San Antonio can certainly perform at all times, but they haven't made any last-second shots to win recently. The Spurs beat the Clippers 102-99 in Game 4, but only because the Clippers couldn't hit their shots in the final minute. San Antonio made only two of four free throws that could've iced the game.

However, the Spurs did rally in the fourth quarter and build up a big enough lead to win that game, so they definitely can win close games. Oklahoma City will need to prevent that.

Much like San Antonio did in Game 4 against the Clippers, Russell Westbrook will need to be aggressive and make layups to keep Oklahoma City close. Durant will need to hit his jumpers and make the big shot in the final few minutes, just like he's been doing.

As long as the Thunder are able to convert on their opportunities late in the game and as long as they fight for every loose ball and rebound with great intensity, they'll be fine.

Which brings us to our next slide.

Hustle

Oklahoma City has shown that they know how to do this, especially at home.

The Thunder fight for every loose ball and rebound. They never give up, and by hustling, they create turnovers, score easy points, spark the crowd (at home) and start runs.

In Game 5 against the Lakers, Russell Westbrook stole a lazy pass by Los Angeles's Ramon Sessions. He drove to the hoop with the mindset of scoring a layup, but he was instead fouled by Sessions. Westbrook chucked up a shot that had little chance of going in.

The shot went in. Oklahoma City's crowd got fired up, and so did the team, who finished off a 106-90 win.

The Thunder hustled throughout the game, and that's why they were able to avoid a 42-point effort from Kobe to win Game 5. If they can display this hustle against the Spurs, they'll be able to compensate for their lack of a bench compared to the Spurs who have a great bench and effectively use about 10 players per game (for a lot of minutes).

Hustle will be needed from every Thunder player because every rebound and loose ball will be needed. As long as the Thunder give this their best shot, they should be fine.

Create and Convert on Shooting Opportunities

This is where James Harden, the obvious choice for the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award, comes into play.

Harden has had a lot of playing time, and he's shown why he deserves it. He's been making shots, hustling and putting up good, consistent numbers. As long as Russell Westbrook includes him, he should be fine.

When Harden and Kevin Durant get the ball, they'll have to be looking to see if they can drive, and if not, they'll have to try to create a good jump shot. If the Thunder can kick the ball around effectively and wear out the Spurs (and force them to use their bench), they'll be able to create good shots and eventually get to the hoop.

Fast-break baskets will help as well. If the Thunder can take advantage of every bad pass by the Spurs, they'll be able to get some layups, and at home, fire up the crowd.

Oklahoma City will have to convert on most shots, especially in the clutch, but they are certainly capable. As long as the Thunder can drive to the hoop, start fast breaks and take advantage of every opportunity they get, they'll be fine.

And they'll advance to the NBA Finals.