After a frenetic three quarters where the Oklahoma City Thunder repeatedly got out in transition, the San Antonio Spurs cut down on their turnovers to fuel a fourth-quarter comeback and win Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals 101-98.
Spurs Vs. Thunder, 2012 NBA Playoffs Game 1: San Antonio Wins 101-98
With the game played almost exclusively in the half-court, San Antonio’s half-court execution was the difference as they outscored Oklahoma City 39-27 in the fourth.
Manu Ginobili keyed the Spurs offense, with 26 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists on 9-14 shooting.
On the other end of the floor, the Thunder's offense stagnated as their stars were forced to take a series of contested pull-up jumpers. Oklahoma City went small to ensure this wouldn't happen, but Scott Brooks' decision to leave Kendrick Perkins in the game allowed the Spurs to play 5-on-4 defensively anyway.
In Game 2, Brooks may have to go with one of his more skilled offensive big men (Nick Collison or Serge Ibaka) at the expense of Perkins' post defense on Tim Duncan, who rarely tested the Thunder big man on the low block.
For more on the Spurs, visit Pounding The Rock. For more on the Thunder, visit Welcome To Loud City.
See More:
