2012 NBA Playoffs: Who Will Be the Oklahoma City Thunder's Unsung Hero?

Even the greatest need a supporting cast.

We all know what to expect from Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Serge Ibaka. We also know what to expect from Kendrick Perkins and Derek FIsher, two former NBA Champions with big-stage experience. The question is, what can we expect from the rest of the Oklahoma City Thunder?

In Game 1 of the Thunder's current series with the San Antonio Spurs, bench production was a key for the Thunder. James Harden had his usual 19 points, while Derek Fisher continued to be a Spurs killer with 13 points of his own. 

Tack on Nick Collison's five points and seven rebounds and you've got yourself a nice night of bench production. 

Unfortunately, the San Antonio Spurs emerged victorious due to 52 bench points of their own.

So how will Oklahoma City defeat the San Antonio Spurs? One might suggest that their success rests on their Big Three, who shot a combined 22-of-57. Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, however, shot a combined 12-of-30 to offset anything the Thunder may have done to shoot themselves in the foot.

Game 2 exposed that theory, however, as all three members of the Big Three scored well but couldn't slow San Antonio down on the defensive end. 120 non-stop points are your evidence.

This means the Oklahoma City Thunder's victory rests firmly on the shoulders of one Thabo Sefolosha.

Sefolosha is the Thunder's best perimeter defender, which is key due to the fact that OKC has begun resorting to smaller lineups. This will open the door for the defensive guru to see more minutes, take on Manu Ginobili on more occasions and even shift over to defend Tony Parker.

Most importantly, he saves energy for Russell Westbrook, who was visibly gassed due to the Spurs' pick-and-roll clinic from Game 2.

Invest your faith or struggle with your doubts. Whether Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook shine or falter, in spite of James Harden fouling out or remaining active, there is one player whom the Thunder's success rests upon.

We're looking at you, Thabo Sefolosha.