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San Antonio Spurs: 5 Keys To Beating The Thunder

By Gerald Bourguet

Oct 28, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the San Antonio Spurs prepare for a highly anticipated second round matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder, here’s what they must do to win the series.

San Antonio Spurs
Oct 28, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Coming off a 67-win season, the San Antonio Spurs would normally be heavy favorites to win the 2016 NBA Finals. Heading into a brutal second round matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder, however, the Spurs may have their hands full with just getting to the conference finals.

While the 73-win Golden State Warriors are missing Stephen Curry, they’ll enjoy a far easier second round matchup against either the young Portland Trail Blazers or the shorthanded Los Angeles Clippers. The Spurs will get no such respite against a Thunder team that’s finally healthy at the right time and has two of the 10 best players in the league with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

Following their quick four-game sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies, the Spurs are well rested and should have plenty of energy for a Thunder team that dismantled the sixth-seeded Dallas Mavericks in five games. But even after their historic season, San Antonio should not be looking past a talented opponent whose athleticism and star power has been a thorn in their side in recent years.

Heading into the best second round matchup of the 2016 NBA Playoffs, here’s a look at what the Spurs must do to beat the Thunder and advance to the Western Conference Finals.

Next: No. 5

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