The Spurs have the most effective shot to beat the Thunder however they’re lacking one essential piece

The OKC Thunder have been the favorites from day one. Their historic begin to the season set the tone, and nobody was shocked after they swept their approach by the primary two rounds of the playoffs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was simply named MVP for the second consecutive yr, and Jalen Williams is returning for the convention finals.

For those who had been to think about what an ideal season seems to be like, it might in all probability be one thing near what OKC has put collectively. The one factor that didn’t go completely for them this yr, was their video games towards San Antonio. 

The Spurs had been the Thunder’s kryptonite this season

It appeared just like the Spurs conquered the unconquerable. The Thunder had a document of 24-1 earlier than their first assembly with the Spurs, however over the following six video games, these two groups met thrice, leading to three Thunder losses.

The Spurs completed the season beating the Thunder in 4 out of 5 contests, and appeared like they’d the defending champs at their mercy. Though the Thunder are nonetheless favored to win all of it, the Spurs appear to have the blueprint to take them down, and if anybody can dethrone the champs, it’s the Spurs.

The Spurs are simply to inexperienced

That being mentioned, the Spurs are an anomaly in the case of the playoffs, and the query is, will their common season success translate, or will the Thunder’s expertise prevail? Rewind a yr to 2025 and the Spurs appeared nothing like they do now. Led by Chris Paul, they discovered themselves within the thirteenth spot praying for a very good draft choose.

One yr later, they’re the second seed competing for a finals berth. This turnaround was nothing like we’ve ever seen earlier than, however as a result of they acquired so good so shortly, they skipped a vital step within the street to profitable a championship. Dropping. 

Since 2000, solely eight groups have made the finals after lacking the playoffs the yr earlier than. Virtually each finals participant will get there after years of playoff failure and expertise. However the truth that eight groups have carried out it does appear encouraging for San Antonio, till you discover a serious distinction.

The Spurs will most certainly not be part of this listing

The groups which have made the leap all acquired a veteran famous person within the offseason. Chris Paul becoming a member of the Suns, KG and Ray Allen with the Celtics, Jason Kidd to the Nets, and Anthony Davis to LA, all introduced years of invaluable playoff expertise with them.

The one gamers within the Spurs rotation which have ever gained a playoff collection are Harrison Barnes and Luke Kornet. Each are good gamers, however neither make a large enough affect to boost a younger staff’s playoff ceiling. 

If any staff was constructed to defy the percentages, it might be these Spurs. However historical past has proven time and time once more, that the playoffs are a totally completely different animal, and common season success doesn’t essentially translate.

The Thunder are lastly at full energy and their expertise will probably be the distinction maker, however we’ve seen crazier issues occur. If San Antonio falls brief, it might be disappointing for them and their followers, however it might even be the sort of expertise that units temp as much as dominate the post-season for years to return.