The San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder played each other to the wire in an exciting playoff battle in Game 2.
The San Antonio Spurs faced a much tougher fight from the very beginning they probably expected on Monday night. After the Spurs absolutely dismantled the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1, the Thunder were a much different game in Game 2.
From the very beginning, the Thunder were aggressive at driving to the hoop and getting involved down low. It allowed their shots to open up outside and they quickly built a double-digit lead on the Spurs.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook were leading the charge once again for the Thunder and with role players stepping up to help out, the Spurs found themselves leaving some shooters open that burned them. At the end of the first quarter, the Spurs were down eight.
They would take the next two quarters, as they began to find their shot. Finally, the team was clicking from beyond the arc and pulled within a point of the Thunder. It looked like the Thunder were on the verge of collapsing, but Durant continued to step up and make the shots that the Thunder needed him to.
In the fourth quarter, LaMarcus Aldridge would continue to go to work down low. While Kawhi Leonard was struggling to score, Aldridge was picking up the Spurs offensively inside. However, Durant and Dion Waiters would answer back with a couple of jumpers to hold off San Antonio from taking the lead.
After the Thunder took a five-point lead late in the fourth, Aldridge drilled a huge three to pull the Spurs within two. The Thunder would make a couple free throw and the Spurs would trail by four. Aldridge would be fouled on a three-point attempt and the Spurs once again pulled within one.
As the Thunder attempted to inbound the pass, it appeared that Manu Ginobili was fouled, but a call was not made. Chaos would ensue for a loose ball and the Thunder would escape with the win.
Full Highlights
Three Stars
3. Russell Westbrook
Westbrook was aggressive from the very beginning driving the ball and passing for open looks. He finished with a huge double-double. He finished with 29 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists.
2. Kevin Durant
Durant took it the hoop more often than usual against the Spurs and really matched the aggressive tone that the rest of his teammates brought. He scored 28 on the night.
1. LaMarcus Aldridge
In a losing effort, Aldridge brought his best again. He had 41 points and some key hoops to keep San Antonio in it.
Betting Odds
The Spurs came into the game as 7.5-point favorites. With the close loss, they did not cover the spread.
What’s Next?
The two teams will meet for Game 3 in Oklahoma City on Friday night.
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