Traditional style leads to unbeaten record

In another flawless offensive clinic, the San Antonio Spurs edged out the Oklahoma City Thunder to take a 2-0 lead in the series. Their style may be old school and a bit “boring” according to some younger basketball aficionados, but the Spurs have barely broke a sweat this postseason with 20 straight victories bridging the regular season and playoffs— which is an NBA record.

The Spurs are fundamentally sound and play the game of basketball with an unselfish passion that coaches at any level would yearn for. Gregg Poppivich has molded his unit to demonstrate a flair that embodies unity. When the clock is winding down at the end of a game and the score is tied, there isn’t just one individual in silver and black that must be contained. Everyone is a threat.

Guiding the most interesting team in the league is All-Star point guard Tony Parker. Parker is the epitome of a floor general. He can pass, dribble, drive and score when he needs to. After scorching OKC’s defense with precision passing and floating teardrops, it’s baffling why his name isn’t mentioned with the best guards. He may not be as electrifying as Derrick Rose driving or as explosive as Russell Westbrook in the air, but there’s a reason why Parker finished fifth in MVP voting this year.

San Antonio isn’t the same team from the early 2000s when everything ran through MVP Tim Duncan. They’re much younger and wiser. There are over 11 players in Poppivich's rotation, and each one of them can contribute on both sides (check out the box score of each game). The only thing about Duncan that has changed is his age. And speed. Being given the title of the best power forward of all-time isn’t some consolation prize. Duncan has earned that label from his savvy skills in the post and guaranteed 15-footer. Maybe the link below will make you a believer.

What completes the tandem of Parker and Duncan, is their selfless teammate Manu Ginobili. Remember that kid at that park that would always hustle for loose balls and never give up a play on defense or offense. Yeah, that’s Ginobili. Ginobili is the kind of player that everyone hates to defend. Ginobili’s approaches every game with the same energy. Exhibition or postseason.

Originally predicting that this series would go six, the Spurs have altered my decision to 5. Even though the home team is expected to win in their arena, it was the manner San Antonio did it in. This series is far from over, but for a team that is lauded for their defense, the Thunder have played very lethargic. Until OKC makes adjustments on defense, the Spurs will continue to shred them on pick and rolls and rack up over a 100 a game.