2026 NBA Season

[Webetcoins]

The pace OKC plays with is creating issues for Spurs, and while they are shooting lights out, they are still turning the ball over super commonly. I have a feeling that this is not going to be easy for Spurs but we are not going to see the same thing happen again neither.

This time they were shooting from three anytime they touched the ball, and too fast. They are forgetting that they have Wemby inside, this is why Wemby did not score a lot this game, because they did not slow it down enough to give him time inside.

[freedomgo]

This time they were shooting from three anytime they touched the ball, and too fast. They are forgetting that they have Wemby inside, this is why Wemby did not score a lot this game, because they did not slow it down enough to give him time inside.

Nice observation, but if the refs will allow the game to be physical, then OKC will surely play physical against Wemby.

What I don’t like with the Spurs now is that it seems Harper is out, and without Fox too, I don’t know, I think the edge is now with OKC. Although Jalen Williams is still probably out, OKC already got used to playing without him and they were still successful.

But not having Harper, this young rookie, is a big loss for the Spurs because he gives them extra energy and another option on the floor.

[ultrloa]

This time they were shooting from three anytime they touched the ball, and too fast. They are forgetting that they have Wemby inside, this is why Wemby did not score a lot this game, because they did not slow it down enough to give him time inside.

Nice observation, but if the refs will allow the game to be physical, then OKC will surely play physical against Wemby.

What I don’t like with the Spurs now is that it seems Harper is out, and without Fox too, I don’t know, I think the edge is now with OKC. Although Jalen Williams is still probably out, OKC already got used to playing without him and they were still successful.

But not having Harper, this young rookie, is a big loss for the Spurs because he gives them extra energy and another option on the floor.

Exactly, because Harper proves a lot in this team. For missing him that really means a lot for Spurs also Fox still unavailable so this is though for them, but hopefully we can see them adjust on the situation.

They still have young guns which can able to carry them on best position.

Spurs just need to adjust on the physicality given by OKC, since for sure they provably repeat same play on game 3. OKC would provably try to make Wemby and his teammate lose their focus.

[tech30338]

Knicks have made it 2-0... This time it was much easier compared to Game 1 though. They didn't need to make a huge comeback or so. Everything was under control since Q2. 

Now there are 2 games in a row @Cavaliers. I think one of them will end up with the win of home side. However I expect Knicks to win the series 4-1. Maybe some can find it too harsh but I don't trust Cavaliers with this performance.

Cleveland seems sloppy and seems dominated by Knicks in game 2. It seems that we will see them fall if they won't correct their past mistakes made. I don't know if they can able to made a huge comeback, just like what they did to Pistons. But they really need to improve their performance because they are now in bad position

Cvs always win on their home and maybe let see if there's good changes will happen, because if they lose again and been crashed by Knicks in their territory maybe that already give a sign that Cavs don't have any chance to advance on Finals.

They can still make it or at least won't give up a fight but they need to keep things in the right state now because they can't be in a 3-0 situation, they wont be able to recover from that, they need to win game 3 or else even if they won 1 at knicks home, they will never going to game seven.
Harden and Mitchell need to score a lot and Allen and Mobley too, if they will not score then the knicks will surely finish them in 4 games.

The problem is Harden is showing the same issue again, choking in crucial games. He scored less than 20 points in both games, which is not enough and definitely not good for the Cavaliers. He needs to step up in Game 3 because if they lose again, it’s basically over for the Cavs. That would probably be as far as they can go. No team has ever come back from a 0-3 deficit in a series. But even if a miracle happens and they somehow make it to the NBA Finals, I still don’t think the series would even reach Game 7 against either the Spurs or the Thunder.

i agree, he seems to not care when it comes playoff time, looks like he don't want to streach a muscle or just want to end a game and want to go home, but why is he playing good basketball in the regular season, im no hating harden but its always the issue with him, same in clippers stint.
The cavs need to realized that and stop relying on him, he was trying to be like shai wanting to bait a foul, why not go into beast mode and put on a show, well i guess he dont want to play anymore, but lets give him a benefit of a doubt since there are still 2 games to show or get sweep.

[Russlenat]

Spurs just need to adjust on the physicality given by OKC, since for sure they provably repeat same play on game 3. OKC would provably try to make Wemby and his teammate lose their focus.

No, they just need to focus on Wemby and they will get the advantage. Wemby has to be limited, he cannot score over 30+ points because that could mean the Spurs will win.

So we will see, I think this game will be physical because whoever gets the 2-1 lead will certainly gain more confidence to win the series. Interesting game tomorrow actually, but one thing I will always remember is that OKC has been in this battle many times. They are the defending champion, in case we forget, so we can trust them to do the right thing, especially in critical minutes.

[Questat]

They are the defending champion, in case we forget, so we can trust them to do the right thing, especially in critical minutes.

This is what I also look at, but you have to understand the hype around the Spurs now. People believe they are the only team that can beat OKC, and I really think they have a chance. Just like OKC, the Spurs are not relying on only one player, although it is undeniable that Wemby is their best player. They already built good chemistry where they trust each other, and that is why they look so dangerous now.

This time around, the Spurs need to make a statement, at least in the first game at home they have to protect their home court.

[LogitechMouse]

This time they were shooting from three anytime they touched the ball, and too fast. They are forgetting that they have Wemby inside, this is why Wemby did not score a lot this game, because they did not slow it down enough to give him time inside.

Nice observation, but if the refs will allow the game to be physical, then OKC will surely play physical against Wemby.

What I don’t like with the Spurs now is that it seems Harper is out, and without Fox too, I don’t know, I think the edge is now with OKC. Although Jalen Williams is still probably out, OKC already got used to playing without him and they were still successful.

But not having Harper, this young rookie, is a big loss for the Spurs because he gives them extra energy and another option on the floor.

Based on ESPN, Fox, Harper and Jalen Williams are being labeled as "GTD" meaning it's still unsure on whether they can play or not. If both Fox and Harper can't play then it will be a big problem for the Spurs.

Yes they have Castle, but he's the only reliable PG on their team, and he also has high turnovers in the first 2 games, so it's a big minus for the Spurs if they will not have either one of them especially with Harper who's a big help on both offense and defense. Also, let's not forget that the Thunder did some dirty tactics to minimize the impact of Wemby on the court. I do hope that this will not happen again in Games 3 and 4. Those actions that Hartenstein did on him must be called because most of them are fouls, but the referees chooses not to whistle because... it's the Thunder.

Anyway, let's see on both Harper and Fox will be available for both games because for me, the win of the Spurs depends on these 2 players. Of course, I'm not discrediting Wemby, but it will be much harder for them to win if both of them are out.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

This is what I also look at, but you have to understand the hype around the Spurs now. People believe they are the only team that can beat OKC, and I really think they have a chance. Just like OKC, the Spurs are not relying on only one player, although it is undeniable that Wemby is their best player. They already built good chemistry where they trust each other, and that is why they look so dangerous now.

This time around, the Spurs need to make a statement, at least in the first game at home they have to protect their home court.

It's not a hype, they beat the Thunder in the regular season with 4-1.

And then they beat them in game 1 with Wemby's best game so far in the playoff. But they did manage to squeeze a win in game 2 because the Spurs has committed a lot of turnovers. If they can limit it in game 3 and then Wemby have a game that he did in the first game, then the Thunder might have a problem.

But as I have said before, we shouldn't get excited as this series could be a minimum of six games being played or even extends to a decider game 7.

[mirakal]

Anyway, let's see on both Harper and Fox will be available for both games because for me, the win of the Spurs depends on these 2 players. Of course, I'm not discrediting Wemby, but it will be much harder for them to win if both of them are out.

In that case, I will just hold my bet and only place it once it is confirmed that they will play. There are still around 8 hours before game time, so there is plenty of time to bet.

What is interesting is that the Spurs are only -2.5. I know that line will certainly attract bettors, but I’m not sure how it will react if the news spreads that both players will play. If indeed they will, I might even bet on the Spurs winning by double digits because they have been very dominant at home, and OKC will probably still be adjusting in their first game on the road.

How about the under, are you guys seeing this as a low-scoring game?

[joeperry]

This time they were shooting from three anytime they touched the ball, and too fast. They are forgetting that they have Wemby inside, this is why Wemby did not score a lot this game, because they did not slow it down enough to give him time inside.

Yes that's true, but I think they needed that 3 to catch up with the score and Wemby under they are confident that if they won't make the bucket, there's Wemby waiting for the offensive rebound but the problem is that they OKC pressures Wemby under because of his offensive capabilities. I also think the problem with the turnover was because of the fast paced they are doing especially Castles, I noticed that he always got intercepted when he's trying to be explosive and it didn't happen once, a noticed it multiple times.

[Uhde]

This isn't the year for the Spurs imo. This roster will probably win at least three championships but right now they are too young and still have a ways to go.

[wiss19]

While I do think it was a good game for OKC, this was the type of thing that Spurs should have not done that allowed OKC to win. When you look at the shooting percentages, Spurs actually had very close to 50-40-90 which is elite shooting levels for a player, let alone a whole team. But the difference was that, even though OKC had worse shooting, Spurs had 21 turnovers, to 9 turnovers of OKC, with a few of it came from other places, we are talking about nearly 15 more shots. Which allowed OKC to win even while shooting worse.

[danherbias07]

The pace OKC plays with is creating issues for Spurs, and while they are shooting lights out, they are still turning the ball over super commonly. I have a feeling that this is not going to be easy for Spurs but we are not going to see the same thing happen again neither.

This time they were shooting from three anytime they touched the ball, and too fast. They are forgetting that they have Wemby inside, this is why Wemby did not score a lot this game, because they did not slow it down enough to give him time inside.

It was Hartenstein punishing Wemby. He is grabbing, clipping, and disabling him so that he cannot get an offensive rebound or a second-chance point. But if you finished the game and watched the interview with SGA, he was asked if Hartenstein did well, and he said, "I don't know" (with a frustrated face). It's dirty grabbing below the rim, and I think even SGA (his teammate) didn't like it.

I just wish Coach Mitch Johnson would point this out next time. Or, Wemby should start learning how to act when he is getting punished underneath the rim. Some of them are really nasty, and Hartenstein is getting away from a call. The Spurs actually did well despite that and being on the road. Snatching 1 game is already great. Now, they will need their energy refreshed with the help of the home fans.

[tygeade]

This is what I also look at, but you have to understand the hype around the Spurs now. People believe they are the only team that can beat OKC, and I really think they have a chance. Just like OKC, the Spurs are not relying on only one player, although it is undeniable that Wemby is their best player. They already built good chemistry where they trust each other, and that is why they look so dangerous now.

This time around, the Spurs need to make a statement, at least in the first game at home they have to protect their home court.

It's not a hype, they beat the Thunder in the regular season with 4-1.

And then they beat them in game 1 with Wemby's best game so far in the playoff. But they did manage to squeeze a win in game 2 because the Spurs has committed a lot of turnovers. If they can limit it in game 3 and then Wemby have a game that he did in the first game, then the Thunder might have a problem.

But as I have said before, we shouldn't get excited as this series could be a minimum of six games being played or even extends to a decider game 7.

Main reason for their success over OKC was the fact that Wemby is just unstoppable by OKC, they do not have any big that can stop him, to be fair the whole league has very few people who may pose a threat to him, but at least OKC has nobody. They can put some bigs on him, but then that means they have to take Chet out, and when Chet is out, they are taking a good player they have which causes them to be a bit worse.

Defensively Spurs does defend the perimeter well by switching all positions, and they do have great shooters on offense. So basically it's rock paper scissors kind of situation and Spurs just fits very well against OKC, it's not about Spurs being the best team, maybe some other team could beat Spurs, but it's the fact that Spurs looks like they were specifically designed to beat OKC.

[OgNasty]

I don’t like what I’m seeing. OKC is a man down and the Spurs got Fox back. Not to mention they’re playing in San Antonio. The Spurs should have been able to protect home court but instead are down by 10 near the end of the third. We better see a comeback in the fourth or this could be a bad loss for them.

[meser#]

San Antonio won the first game after it went to double overtime, but Oklahoma won the next two games.
Okc regained home-court advantage.
Okc is a contender for the NBA championship again this year. San Antonio was the only team that could challenge OKC, but I didn't see that potential from them.
OKC won this game 108-123 and took a 1-2 lead in the series. If OKC wins the next game, I think the series will end with a 4-1 OKC victory.

[fullfitlarry]

I don’t like what I’m seeing. OKC is a man down and the Spurs got Fox back. Not to mention they’re playing in San Antonio. The Spurs should have been able to protect home court but instead are down by 10 near the end of the third. We better see a comeback in the fourth or this could be a bad loss for them.

It was the bench of the OKC Thunder that came in big. In the regular games they were like that, but haven't been in this series. But finally, McCain, Caruso and Jaylin Williams proved to be the difference in game 3.

I thought that the Spurs will take this as it is their homecourt, but now we are seeing the experienced of the Thunder. And they've found a way to make it very hard for the Alien to score unlike in game 1. Then bench of Spurs will have to score more if they want to make this series competitive.

[LogitechMouse]

I don’t like what I’m seeing. OKC is a man down and the Spurs got Fox back. Not to mention they’re playing in San Antonio. The Spurs should have been able to protect home court but instead are down by 10 near the end of the third. We better see a comeback in the fourth or this could be a bad loss for them.

I also expected the same thing, but let's not forget that homecourt advantage isn't that advantageous anymore, and don't forget that it's the Thunder that they're facing. Aside from the fact that they're the champions, they're the best in terms of flopping and doing dirty tactics as well. I'm not saying that they did it here, but flopping? I don't want to say anything.

The Spurs lost to the Thunder by 15 points even with both Fox and Harper playing which for me is a bit surprising knowing how they played in Game 1 even without Fox. I guess this is where playoff experience comes into place because we know that the Spurs doesn't have any playoff experience at all compared to the Thunder. I've said this in the past, but playoff experience plays a big role towards the success of the team, and right now, the Spurs doesn't have which is a big disadvantage for them. I'm not saying that they're out already in this series, but that could be a big factor if they loss in this series.

Anyway, it's still 2-1 and Game 4 will be played on their home. Let's see if the Spurs will bounce back and tie the series or the Thunder will steal both road games.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

I don’t like what I’m seeing. OKC is a man down and the Spurs got Fox back. Not to mention they’re playing in San Antonio. The Spurs should have been able to protect home court but instead are down by 10 near the end of the third. We better see a comeback in the fourth or this could be a bad loss for them.

I also expected the same thing, but let's not forget that homecourt advantage isn't that advantageous anymore, and don't forget that it's the Thunder that they're facing. Aside from the fact that they're the champions, they're the best in terms of flopping and doing dirty tactics as well. I'm not saying that they did it here, but flopping? I don't want to say anything.

The Spurs lost to the Thunder by 15 points even with both Fox and Harper playing which for me is a bit surprising knowing how they played in Game 1 even without Fox. I guess this is where playoff experience comes into place because we know that the Spurs doesn't have any playoff experience at all compared to the Thunder. I've said this in the past, but playoff experience plays a big role towards the success of the team, and right now, the Spurs doesn't have which is a big disadvantage for them. I'm not saying that they're out already in this series, but that could be a big factor if they loss in this series.

Anyway, it's still 2-1 and Game 4 will be played on their home. Let's see if the Spurs will bounce back and tie the series or the Thunder will steal both road games.

Yes, it's the experience that comes along in this series. Before the Thunder doesn't have the experience that's why they losses in the quarter finals or finals in the WC. But they got over the hump last year and then won the title. So now it's the turn of Spurs to get that kind of experience. They need to be uncomfortable first, before getting that needed feeling to be able to bet the former champion.

Still very early for them to just go and beat the former champion even if they have the Alien. Unless someone will step up from them or Wemby having that Jordan like mentality to score and average almost 36 ppg against the SGA. Plus the physically, the Spurs is still very green for that kind of play.

[Cointxz]

Yes, it's the experience that comes along in this series. Before the Thunder doesn't have the experience that's why they losses in the quarter finals or finals in the WC. But they got over the hump last year and then won the title. So now it's the turn of Spurs to get that kind of experience. They need to be uncomfortable first, before getting that needed feeling to be able to bet the former champion.

Still very early for them to just go and beat the former champion even if they have the Alien. Unless someone will step up from them or Wemby having that Jordan like mentality to score and average almost 36 ppg against the SGA. Plus the physically, the Spurs is still very green for that kind of play.

The only difference is OKC already have a solid defense back then including the dirty tactics on their defense that makes every team star player suffer all throughout the game and Wemby is not an exemption on this.

I hate to admit but Spurs is completely being outsmarted by OKC defense in the long run that resulted for OKC to gain momentum and extend the lead in the late game.

This rivalry will be in long term but I hope Spurs will get more player that will focus on hustle defense just like what Caruso and Dort doing for OKC.