Thunder vs. Spurs: Tony Parker Sinks OKC with Game-Winning Buzzer Beater
"Remember us?"
That's what I imagine Tony Parker said as he knocked down a cold-blooded 21-foot jumper at the buzzer to propel the San Antonio Spurs over the Oklahoma City Thunder, 86-84.
The entire summer has been about the Los Angeles Lakers, who, you may have heard, acquired about 19 All-Stars or former All-Stars in the offseason, and the Oklahoma City Thunder, the defending Western Conference champs who suddenly traded young superstar James Harden less than a week ago.
Would the Lakers ever lose? How would the Thunder fare without Harden?
Well, guess what, the Lakers are 0-2, the Thunder have been Parker-ed, and the Spurs, who led the NBA in wins during the regular season last year, are still around, and just as good as ever.
Game on.
And while it's important not to overreact to the first three days of the NBA season, and the Lakers and Thunder are still going to be just as good as most of us assumed, this is just an indication of how thrilling the West will be this year.
After a couple of free throws by Russell Westbrook put the Thunder up by three with just over a minute to go, Parker decided to take over.
The veteran point guard drilled a three-pointer to tie it up with 28 seconds to go, and after Kawhi Leonard stole the ball from Westbrook, Parker drilled the game-winner as calmly and coolly as can be.
Parker finished the game with 14 points and 11 assists while Tim Duncan led the Spurs with 20. Three other Spurs finished in double-figures in the balanced effort.
Kevin Durant dropped 23 points to go with 14 rebounds, five assists and two steals in the loss.
In case you were wondering, and I certainly was, these two teams play next on December 17. Calendar marked.
