Thunder Keep Cheating Off Spurs Shooters

As they have since Game 2 of this series, the Oklahoma City Thunder continue to cheat off the Spurs’ shooters to cut off penetration by Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Despite the shooting prowess of so many of the Spurs’ wing players, the Thunder are making sure their weakside defenders (guys not guarding the ball) have a foot in the paint when a pick and roll is set, helping before the guards drive and not after.

It’s a strategy that works because the Thunder are so athletic, but it’s also not new. The Spurs need to figure out a counter, and quick. One good sign: Danny Green, who is struggling mightily with his shot, took advantage of the open space by attacking the defense upon receiving a kickout, creating a layup for DeJuan Blair.