NBA Picks and Spurs Love

Dear Spurs,

         I used to hate you. I watched you consistently beat teams that I was a fan of, most notably the Phoenix Suns right after they drafted Amare Stoudemire in 2002. Every year I thought that this was going to be the one where the Suns would break through and finally get their shot at bringing home a title. Only to have Dirty Pop and the boys make all of the right passes, drill jumpers, and lock down on defense. It was rough to watch year after year, even getting to the point where I would wish for anyone to beat them including the Lakers, and I hate the Lakers! Then last summer, I started to have a change of heart. I watched them show up every game against the defending champion Heat and fight from start to finish, winning three of the seven and very nearly winning the title. All of a sudden I started to appreciate the way they played the game. I watched in awe as Duncan faced up his man and pump faked his way into an inevitable bank shot. Watched Tony Parker tear up every opposing Western Conference point guard, and Kawhi Leonard blooming into an absolute nightmare two-way player. I found myself rooting for them if only to just watch the rematch between them and the Heat. I have always enjoyed watching basketball played at the highest level and it would be hard to argue that anyone has played over a higher level in the last 15+ years. But seriously, I still hate Ginobli.

OKC (+5.5) at SA (over 210) (L) (L)

All of that being said and you probably thought the Spurs was the obvious choice right? No way! This is a classic Westbrook, Durant takeover game, much like what happened last night in the Pacers/Heat series. Now I know that the Pacers are not the four time NBA champion Duncan Spurs, but the Thunder have two of the best five players in the game! Its tough to beat anyone two times in a row, unless you are the Blazers (shots fired Portland!!). I think that the Thunder pull this one out in an offensive showcase and if the Thunder are smart an absolute free throw orgy. Even though OKC wins this one, the Spurs will almost definitely make it through to the ultimate rematch.