2012 West Finals: (1) Spurs vs. (2) Thunder

[Lamrock]

Eating some crow here. I expected the Spurs to get ousted by the Grizzlies, but Memphis didn't even get that far and now the Spurs are the hottest team in basketball. Having said that, I think the Thunder will end that big winning streak at 18 and eventually take the series in six hard-fought games. Through the first couple rounds of the playoffs, the Thunder have played better teams and the Spurs have gotten somewhat underwhelming play from their bench - which is supposed to be their biggest strength. OKC doesn't have a low post threat to expose the Spurs' weaknesses, but they have better superstars, excellent perimeter defense and are also a top 2 offensive team.

Can't wait for this one. On behalf of Seattle, go Spurs!

[rise]

This is going to be better than the Finals. OKC in 7.

[Mavs4Life]

Couldn't agree more, but I give it to San Antonio instead of OKC.

[Andrew]

Very tough call. I have a feeling this is going to be a great series though, in all likelihood producing the eventual champion. I'm going to go with the Spurs in seven, though I'd be lying if I said I was particularly confident in the pick. I think homecourt advantage will prevail though, as will their ball movement and depth. Really looking forward to this one though, it's a shame the matchup can't come in the NBA Finals. Unless one of them completely implodes, it should be the series of the 2012 Playoffs.

[Phil89]

I want the Thunder to win, but I think the Spurs might take it given their current form and home court advantage.

Either way it should be a great series and hopefully it goes to 7 games.

[shadowgrin]

Why is there no poll option of 'Spurs rape the Thunder' ? It should have one so I can vote.

[benji]

[NovU]

The two best teams that are left going at each other so this should be an actual Finals for this season. I would said the Heat are right up there if not better than those two teams if it wasn't for Bosh's injury.

Should be an exciting series. Picked the Spurs in 7 just because they're older sorta like myself. But I like them equally.

[SkyLine03LT]

I picked Thunder in 6. Simply because they are younger while they already had playoff experience, plus they are well balanced and play team ball just like the Spurs. I see OKC taking one on the road and winning all home games. Though this looks to be epic series, I wouldn't be surprised if the Spurs came on top as a result of Pop outcoaching Brooks.

[Lean]

As I was hoping for an OKC-Chicago final, I would still root for the Thunder on this one. (shame I didn't see the semis closer vs. the Lakers earlier)

[dare]

So what team is the Good and Evil on this one Lean?

[uly]

Lakers are matching the thunders offense to offense, and they lost maybe because youth are motivated and really hungry than the more experience one..But in this new battle, as we all knew SAN ANTONIO is one of the top defensive teams, SAN ANTONIO will match them defense vs offense. That has been the philosophy of Greg Popovich since...This will be an exciting battle to watch.. There is no underdog.. both are fed by their own style of basketball, DEFENSE VS. OFFENSE!

[xerion]

This may be a last Spurs' title run. That's why I say Spurs in 6.

[shadowgrin]

Hey you guys who's the top offensive team this season despite having their sixth man only play half the season you guys.

[Radioman]

Spurs in 6, because i was always wrong so far.

[Dc311]

I am not going to vote on this one.
I'm just going to root for my home team and enjoy this series.I am looking at it as if I were a kid watching the Ultimate Warrior taking on Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania 6.This should be great.

[Axel The Great]

I'm going with Spurs in 7. If San Antonio gets their threes to fall, series may end in 6. Also I want history to repeat itself with San Antonio winning the championship on another lockout season.

[jettdaking!]

Spurs in 6. I can just feel that

[Andrew]

I am looking at it as if I were a kid watching the Ultimate Warrior taking on Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania 6.This should be great.

I'd go with Bret Hart vs Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania 12 myself. Oodles of talent on both sides, the cagey veteran with championship experience against the younger challenger ready to break through to the next level, a true classic. Of course, you'd want the result to go the other way.

[Lean]

So what team is the Good and Evil on this one Lean?

I can rest the Western Conference Good vs Evil on this one.

[Nick]

This will be the series of the playoffs. I hope the Thunder win so i can see a OKC vs MIA finals (because it would be like watching a video game), but i'm totally sold on the Spurs. They're the best "team" in the league. Most well-oiled etc. Spurs in 7 for me, who i have going on to win it all.

[Patr1ck]

Spurs should win. Then they will win the finals and remove the asterisk from the last incomplete season which they won.

Oklahoma might win a couple at home.

[benji]

Thunder annihilated: http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/152804215.html

[Andrew]

remove the asterisk from the last incomplete season which they won.

The asterisk shouldn't even be there in the first place, though it definitely could have a few footnotes (as Bill Simmons put it).

Thunder annihilated: http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/152804215.html

Sour grapes from Mr Souhan.

[JaoSming]

Thunder in 6,