Reuters/File
Christian Post Report – San Antonio Spurs forward Aron Baynes (16) shoots the ball over Oklahoma City Thunder forward Perry Jones (3) and center Steven Adams (right) in game two of the Western Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center.
With the Oklahoma City Thunder trying to hold on to the eighth spot in the Western Conference, they face the defending champions San Antonio Spurs at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in the NBA. The game is on April 7, 2015 and starts at 8 p.m. ET.
Oklahoma City is 42-35 and have a half a game lead over the New Orleans Pelicans in the final playoff seed in the West. However, they have lost three straight games despite the brilliance of MVP-candidate Russell Westbrook.
After a 109-97 win over the Phoenix Suns, the Thunder lost close games to the Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies and the Houston Rockets.
In those games, Westbrook averaged 29.7 points per game while securing triple-doubles against the Mavericks and Rockets.
Despite these statistics, the Thunder’s lack of other sources to get points and stops — particularly with the absences of Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka — have resulted in those defeats. Now with only five games left in their schedule, the Thunder need to string wins over tough teams to stay alive for the post-season.
Meanwhile, the Spurs are starting to peak at the right moment.
They have already secured a playoff spot and are currently sixth in the league with a 51-26 record. More importantly, they have won seven straight games. In those matches, they have beaten tough teams like the Grizzlies, Mavericks and Thunder. Their most impressive performance was in their recent domination of the league-leading Golden State Warriors.
In the 107-92 victory, Kahwi Leonard led the team in scoring with 26 points and had seven steals. They kept Golden State’s shooting below par as the Warriors only shot 32 percent from beyond the three-point line. Furthermore, they out-rebounded the Warriors 47-39 to reinstate their claim as still one of the best teams in the league.
As for their head-to-head battles this season, Oklahoma won their season opener against the Spurs at San Antonio but the Spurs tied the series in dominating fashion with a 130-91 win.
To get highlights on this game, go to NBA.com. For live streaming, click here.
Source : Christian Post