I know Wemby wanted revenge for the lost MVP but this is not what I expected. He was relentless all throughout the game, dunking on Chet, hitting logo threes and getting blocks. It was hilarious watching OKC try to defend him, it was like a man vs a bunch of middle schoolers.
Spurs beat OKC in Game 1
Everyone expected this series to be cinema, but I think the NBA spoiled us on this one. Double OT with a 7’5 demigod playing a revenge game. This game was a masterclass from all angles. I am excited to see how the rest of this series plays out.
What happened?
OKC just couldn’t stop Wemby. 70% favourites and home court advantage meant nothing the moment Wemby decided he deserved the MVP. San Antonio were composed in the clutch and physical all throughout and that’s what won them the game.
What does it mean?
OKC are still heavy favourites for the series but losing home court advantage is a signficant blow. The Thunder have been perfect all playoffs; The Spurs just changed that.
Key components for San Antonio in Game 2:
San Antonio have the athletic advantage over OKC. Their 7’5 beast in the paint paired with quick guards that can score in the paint and from beyond the arc is the perfect kryptonite for this OKC defense. Last night was all Wemby, in Game 2 the guards need to step up to take the workload of the Frenchman.
Key components for OKC in Game 2:
The Thunder need to do two things in order to get themselves back in the series: Limit Wemby, and win the rebound battle. Wemby won’t go off for 41 every night but he will win the game for the Spurs on both sides of the ball. If teams are scared to take a layup on him then they can’t win the game. Next, the Thunder lost the rebound battle 61-40 and conceded 24 to Wemby himself. They need to get more rebounds if they wan’t to win the game.
By the Numbers
San Antonio were 30% from the field last night. They still won.
Wemby had 9 offensive rebounds.
SGA shot 30% from the field and only scored 24 points on 23 shots.
San Antonio scored 54 points in the paint. They have too much size over OKC.
Alex Caruso kept OKC in the game with 31 points on almost 60% shooting. He kept it in the game for OKC.
San Antonio was leading for 81% of the game.
Victor Wembanyama (#1) celebrates big basket.
Daily Recap
NBA
Spurs 122 - OKC 115 - San Antonio steal Game 1 in OKC. They have the advantage now.
NHL
Canadiens 3 - 2 Sabres - Montreal’s win game 7 on the road. Extroadinary run continues.
MLB
Mets 16 - Washington 7
Rays 16 - Baltimore 6
Yankees 7 - Blue Jays 6
Padres 1 - Dodgers 0
Series Preview: Knicks vs Cavs
How did they get here:
Knicks: In Round 1 the Knicks defeated the Hawks in 6 games after going down 2-1. It’s worth knowing the Knicks beat them by 51 in Game 6. Then they faced off again the 76ers in Round 2 and wiped the floor with them. They swept them 4-0 with domination in almost every game.
Cavs: In round 1 they played a close back and forth series with the Toronto Raptors where they eventually prevailed after a big win in Game 7. Then they played Detroit in Round 2 and straight away went down 2-0 but came back to win by 31 in Game 7. Safe to say their going to be tired going into this series.
How will the Knicks win?
The key to the series for New York is Karl-Anthony Towns. He has been playing basketball of his career in these playoffs and he needs to show up in a big way in these playoffs. He’s been playing as a point forward and initianing the offense which has shown with his rapid increase in assist numbers and the overall contribution to the Knicks success in thse playoffs. He also needs to take the pressure of Brunson in the clutch.
How will the Cavs win?
The Cavs have way more ways to score. Between Mitchell, Harden, Mobley, and Allen the Cavs need every single player to show up and do their due diligence. If they can outscore the Knicks while also limiting Brunson in the clutch they can win this series. Additionally, I think if they want a chance they need to steal a game at MSG. Way easier said than done.
My sincere (non-bias) prediction?
Knicks in 7 - Before you start saying I’m biased this prediction is completely dependent on OG Anunoby’s health. If he doesn’t play Game 1 or even Game 2 i swing towards the Cavs in this series.