Over the past three seasons, the San Antonio Spurs dominated the Western Conference during the regular season, only to struggle when it was time for the playoffs.
However, this year has turned out to be a different story for the Spurs.
With their Western Conference Finals four-game sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies, the Spurs now have a 12-2 record in the post season and will get to wait ten days before playing in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The Spurs are 4-0 all-time in NBA Finals.
Rest will be crucial for the Spurs superstars Tim Duncan (37), Manu Ginobili (35) and Tony Parker (31), who will be playing in their fourth NBA Finals together and are trying to avoid father-time.
The Spurs, who are coached by four-time champion, Greg Popovich, will also have more than enough time to watch film and prepare for their next opponent. The Miami Heat lead the Indiana Pacers 2-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Regardless of the winner, the matchup for the NBA Finals will be interesting.
Against the Heat, the Spurs have an advantage with Parker playing point guard and having a well-rested Duncan in the post. Both teams are capable of scoring 100+ points and have yet to play against another this year with both team’s superstars in the game.
The Spurs will use Kawhi Leonard to guard Lebron James and use a combination of Duncan, Tiago Splitter, Matt Bonner and Boris Diaw to prevent James and Dwyane Wade from driving to the hoop. The Spurs have the ability to shoot 3-pointers and establish themselves in the paint.
Against the Pacers, the Spurs will match offense versus defense. The Spurs averaged the fourth-most points during the regular season at 103.0, while the Pacers allowed the second-fewest at 90.7. The Spurs won the season series 2-0 by a total of 29 points.
George Hill presents an interesting defensive matchup going against his former teammate in Parker and David West and Roy Hibbert should make like tough for the jump-shooting Duncan. Lance Stephenson guarding Danny Green and Ginobili will also be interesting, considering the way the Spurs emphasize ball movement.
Whichever team ends up facing the Spurs is in for a tough challenge. The Spurs have coaching, experience and will be well-rested with three days between Game 1 and 2 and three days between Game 4 and 5.
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