2016 Western Conference Semifinals
San Antonio 124, Oklahoma City 92
Spurs lead series 1-0

OK, Spurs. We all see you.

After most NBA heads decided to take the first round series against Memphis off, the prevailing assumption was that this second round series against OKC would be a classic. And while it very much still could be, this first game could also be a harbinger of things to come.

The average margin of victory against Memphis was 22 points. Saturday’s win against OKC was 32, though the biggest margin was a cool 43 points. The most points the Spurs scored against Memphis was 116. They put up 124 against OKC, and that was with a 19-point 4th quarter that was played on cruise control.

After 3 quarters the score was 105-66, or an average of 35-22 per quarter. I don’t think I need to say much else about those numbers.

Really, the only difference between Game 1 against Memphis and Game 1 against OKC was two names: Durant and Westbrook. (And that people actually watched the game.)

For those of us that did watch the Memphis series, though, we know something the rest of the world doesn’t quite know yet: San Antonio got their groove back. That’s weird to say about a 67-win team, but it certainly looked as if the Spurs found another gear in that first round. While the competition was certainly not playoff-level, the Spurs used that first round masterfully, preparing for each game and executing the game plan regardless of opponent.

We saw that payoff in Game 1. The defense looks as locked in as ever. The offense feels more fluid and cohesive, striking the perfect balance between the selfless passing and movement we all love from the last championship and the reliance of the superb individual talents of Aldridge and Leonard.

Both had superb nights. Kawhi looked fresh and eager (well, as eager as Kawhi ever looks) to shed that ‘system player’ tag that Durant applied to him several years ago. We’re all system players; Leonard happens to be the foundational piece of it. He was aggressive on offense, getting several dunks attacking the rim.

Aldridge showed exactly why he was worth every penny the team spent on him this summer. His shot was butter; everything he threw up was going in, even the shots he quite literally just threw up at the rim. He demonstrated how just his mere presence can distort and break defenses, as the opposing team must choose between a wide-open midrange jumper or protecting the rim. Many will be quick to argue that Aldridge won’t shoot 78% again. He might if he remains that wide open.

The player of the game, though, was Danny Green. (Yes, the Danny Green that Trace presciently apologized to before Game 1.) His defense remains invaluable independent of anything offensively. (More on that in a moment.) But when his 3-point shot is falling, this offense has another level to ascend to. Suddenly, everything opens up, and it feels like stopping the Spurs is a fool’s errand. Take away one option and two more open up. Shut down the rim and the midrange and 3-point line are wide open. Contest the 3 and the rim is there for the taking.

While the increased offensive production is certainly a boon, it’s still on the defensive end where Green makes his money. To me, the absolute key to Game 1 was the Spurs’ defensive scheme. Namely, starting Green on Durant and Leonard on Westbrook.

This accomplishes several things. First, it probably throws off OKC’s game plan, as they most likely planned for the opposite match-up. More importantly, it puts our best defender on Westbrook. Westbrook is not a better player than Durant, but he is the emotional centerpiece of The Thunder, and probably more instrumental to the team’s overall offensive success than Durant. He is quick and fearless with the ball, and when he gets headed downhill, he wreaks havoc on defenses.

Of course, even Kawhi can’t really stop him from doing that. (Can anybody?) But Kawhi can make it so that is his only option (as Kenny Smith rightfully pointed out after Game 1). So now the Spurs know that he is headed to the rim and can overload protection there. Kawhi (and the backside help) can help to shut down his passing lanes from that point, and OKC’s lack of reliable shooters can allow the other wing defenders to squeeze in with even more help.

And we know that Westbrook is going for the layup. How well he does at the rim (and how well the Spurs defensive rebound) can go a long way to determine how this series plays out. Putting Kawhi on Russell makes things a lot easier because it leaves the Thunder so many fewer offensive options.

Of course, none of this matters without Green’s defense on Durant. Durant is a superlative offensive talent. But a lot of his damage is done with his length, with defenders on him. Green isn’t expected to stop Durant; just make his life difficult and make him exist in isolation. He might be their best playmaker with the ball in his hands. This might sound silly, but the Spurs’ goal is probably to make Durant try to score more, but in tougher situations. Their two stars won’t beat the Spurs, but if they get their role players going, then things could get out of hand quickly for San Antonio.

Game 1 was about the best possible scenario. The game is over, and we reset back to 0-0 for Game 2. The Spurs showed a definite path to a series win in Game 1, but we should expect the Thunder to come out strong in Game 2. Despite the big win, it’s still incumbent on the Spurs to protect home court.

Game 2 is Monday night.

Go Spurs Go.