Thunder at Spurs: Game 5 Pregame Primer

vs.

OKC Thunder (10-3, 3-3 road) vs. San Antonio Spurs (10-2, 6-0 home)

TV: TNT (Cox 31, HD 730)
Stream: Click here
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 97.1 FM Tulsa)
Time: 8:00 CT

Series tied 2-2

View from the enemy: 48 Minutes of Hell

SAN ANTONIO — Something’s changed. Whatever it is, something is different about this series than it was a week ago. Oh that’s right, the Thunder got to play two games at home where they’re near unbeatable. And now they don’t get to play the next most important game ever at home. Which means they’re in a very challenging position.

It’s hard to put a finger on what separates a road game from a home one. Nick Collison tried to explain it at shootaround saying there’s a certain emotional lift the home team can get at a tough moment. It doesn’t seem like some noise and an opposing environment should make that much of a difference. But it does. Winning on the road is tough, especially winning on the road against a team as good as the Spurs.

This series is getting to the point where it’s less about adjustments and more just about who is going to play better. If there was something up either team’s sleeve, it probably would’ve been revealed by now. Sure, there’s a matchup or two that could be exploited, but it’s about talent and players making plays more than anything else. Which group of stars is going to show up big?

Game 5 is absolutely critical and you don’t need me to tell you why. The Thunder need to win once in San Antonio if they have dreams of advancing. And the chances are better if it happens tonight. A win in Game 5 gives the Thunder their greatest opportunity to take the series. But again, you don’t need me to explain all that.

Tip at 8:00 CT. Go Win.