NBA Playoffs 2012: Why Thunder vs. Spurs Series Will Go Down to the Wire

A seven game series is what you can expect from the 2012 Western Conference Finals.

The San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder may be on opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of age and NBA postseason experience, but Game 1 proved to be an evenly keeled matchup.

With the intensity and anticipation enhanced for Game 2, here's why we will see this series go the distance. 

Mirrored Production

Looking at each team from the regular season, the similarities tell us why it's no secret that the Spurs and Thunder were the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds of the Western Conference.

San Antonio ranked No. 2 in offense to Oklahoma City's No. 3, and only six tenths of a point separate those averages. Defensively, both squads ranked in the middle of the league by allowing just under 97 points per contest.

As expected, we also see the Spurs and Thunder ranked inside the top 10 for rebounds per game, which can be attributed to their depth and rotation.

Game 1: Tip of the Iceberg

First, the Spurs controlled the tempo early on and built a two possession lead, only to see the Thunder rip it back and go up nine after three quarters of play.

In the fourth quarter, San Antonio outscored itself from the second and third quarters combined to steal the win. Interestingly enough, each team had a backup (James Harden for Oklahoma City and Manu Ginobili for San Antonio) that logged 30-plus minutes.

Both were on the court for the third most minutes of each team and played exceptionally well. Harden went 5-of-9 from downtown with six boards and 19 points, while Manu was perfect at the line and scored 26 points.

Each team shot well from the field and passed well enough to ensure solid ball movement. Not surprisingly, it was a nail-biter. If each bench maintains impressive production, seven games won't seem like enough.

 

Passing of the Torch

San Antonio is a much older and more experienced team, but Oklahoma City brings youth and potential to the table.

What we're going to get out of this series is the passing of the torch to the next great Western Conference dynasty. Now, you can definitely argue that the Spurs have shared this with the Los Angeles Lakers over the past 10-plus years, but it's obvious Oklahoma City has that same potential for longevity.