Spurs vs. Thunder: What Oklahoma City Must Do to Even Up Series at Home

The Oklahoma City Thunder are in a 2-0 hole heading into a crucial two-game homestand against the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference finals.

If OKC wants to avoid another disappointing exit this close to the finals, it needs to step up and start making some drastic changes in order to beat its seemingly indomitable opponent.

Let’s take a look at what adjustments must be made.

Guard Tony Parker with James Harden and Thabo Sefolosha

It’s clear that Russell Westbrook is having a tough time with Tony Parker. Despite being one of the best athletes in the league, the OKC point guard might be better served moving off the ball for Game 3 and possibly the remainder of the series.

Harden and Sefolosha would give a new look against Parker, as they are both bigger and stronger defenders that can cut off his drive a bit more easily.

While the Frenchman is still going to make an impact, the Thunder can limit it by switching up the defense.

Slow the Game Down

San Antonio had the best offense in the league during the regular season and have seemingly gotten better at executing as the playoffs have dragged on.

OKC cannot allow San Antonio to have nearly as many possessions. Letting up 120 points to the Spurs almost guarantees a loss.

As a team, San Antonio shot 55 percent from the field and ran the offense like a well-oiled machine. The Thunder must throw a wrench in that system and make it more difficult to score by reducing the pace of these games.

Use the Best Lineup

OKC might have to eschew its traditional starting lineup and give big minutes to some combination of Westbrook, Harden, Sefolosha, Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka.

These five players on the court at the same time allow the best matchups for the Thunder and are most dangerous to the Spurs.

While it’s not the biggest lineup, each guy is a supreme athlete who needs to play bigger than usual to clean up the glass. If they accomplish that, they will not be stopped.