The Oklahoma City Thunder control their own destiny heading into playoffs after a 100-88 win over the San Antonio Spurs.
The Spurs recorded their third loss in four games and, as of right now, cannot control if they will finish the season in first place in the Western Conference. Despite being a half game up on the Thunder in the loss column, if Oklahoma City were to win the rest of their games, the Spurs would finish in second place for the playoffs. The game sealed the tie-breaker for the Thunder.
"We're a team that's been through it. We went to the Finals and the Western Conference finals the last two years, so we know the importance of the playoffs," Thunder superstar Kevin Durant said. "It's not like this is our first go-around. So, we know we want to play as many games as we can here in Oklahoma City."
Despite their issues in the standings, the Spurs’ biggest problem might how nothing to do with postseason positioning. After scoring just two points in 25 minutes, all-star guard Tony Parker was pulled from the game when Spurs coach Gregg Popovich saw he was limping.
"When he started out, it looked like he had no energy to start the game and then as he went, he looked to me like he was limping," Popovich said. "And then (at the) start of the second half, we saw him coming across half-court actually limping one time, and that's when we pulled him and I said to him, 'Tony, you got to stop.'"
Popovich is known for resting his guys if he thinks they are fatigued, let along seeing them hurt on the court. Coach Pop took some heat earlier this season when he say his three stars—Future Hall of Fame power forward Tim Duncan, guard Manu Ginobli, Parker—and up and coming player Danny Green, in a game against the Miami Heat. If Popovich believes his players need rest, especially the older ones, he has no problem giving it to them.
"We'll see," said Parker. "I'll just talk with the medical staff and talk with Pop and try to make the best decision and make sure I'm 100 percent and healthy for the playoffs because that's the most important thing,"
Thunder forward Nick Collison understands the importance of taking advantage the chance to control your own destiny.
"We've got to keep playing. You win this one but drop one tomorrow, you're right back where you were," Oklahoma City's Nick Collison said. "We have to continue to keep playing and try to win them all and see how it shakes out at the end."
Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant scored 27 points and 25 points, respectively for the Thunder. Duncan and Kawhi Leonard each had 24 points in the loss.
