Following Thursday's Game 3, many pointed to Thabo Sefolosha's play as one of the main reasons for Oklahoma City's win, especially his defense on Tony Parker.
Tony Parker Not Worried About Defensive Matchup With Sefolosha
The Thunder primarily used Russell Westbrook to defend Parker during the first two games, but Oklahoma City head coach Scott Brooks switched Sefolosha on Parker in Game 3. During the game, the announcing crew lauded Sefolosha for his defense, and after the game, even Sefolosha noted the change in scheme. "I think switching me to Parker worked out well for us," he said.
It seems everyone is pointing to the new defensive matchup except Parker. During his postgame press conference, Parker downplayed the defensive switch, noting he’s seen it before. “OKC put (Sefolosha) on me last year, two years ago,” he said. “It’s nothing different for me. I just have to find my spots.”
Parker’s 16 points and four assists in Game 3 were his lowest postseason totals since Game 4 of the Spurs’ opening-round series against Utah. Only time will tell if Brooks’ defensive tactic was a one-game fluke or enough to turn the series back in Oklahoma City’s favor.
For more on the Spurs, be sure to visit Pounding the Rock; for the Thunder, Welcome to Loud City. And for news, analysis and everything else revolving around the NBA Playoffs, be sure to visit SB Nation’s NBA page.
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