NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 keys to Spurs vs. Rockets matchup

1. Late-game execution

As mentioned earlier, the average margin of victory between the Spurs-Rockets this season was about three points. Each of the games came down to the closing minutes and the team that made a few winning plays down the stretch was able to go home victorious.

Coming down the stretch of the most recent game on March 6, Kawhi Leonard drilled a 3-pointer with 25.4 seconds left, then makes the defensive play of the game on Harden, rejecting his layup.

In the game on Dec. 20, Patty Mills was able to hit a clutch 3-pointer, with the Spurs down one to Houston with 12.9 seconds left. In their first meeting back in November, the Rockets played lock-down defense for the final minute, not letting the Spurs tie or take the lead.

The four games have been close heading into the fourth quarter, with neither team being able to separate in the final frame. It’s also come down to players hitting free throws and icing the game as well. In the playoffs, it will come down to executing out of timeouts, making the right play and hitting timely baskets.

Next: 5 reasons the Los Angeles Clippers need to blow it up

These games in this second-round series should be just as close as the ones in the regular season and the team that delivers in the clutch will likely advance to the Conference Finals. This should an exciting series, as Harden and Leonard will duel for the pride of Texas and the right to move on to the next round.