Spurs win 20th straight game to take 2-0 series lead over the Thunder

The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 120-111 Tuesday night to take a 2-0 series lead in the Western Conference Finals.  Lead by Tony Parker who scored 34 points on an incredible 76% shooting from the field, the Spurs never trailed the Thunder, and at one point lead OKC by 22. Until 2:30 remained in the 3rd quarter, San Antonio executed brilliantly offensively off of pick and roll penetration by Tony Parker, who seemed to effortlessly weave through the Thunder's defenders creating open shots for both himself and his teammates.  At that point, the Thunder unconventionally employed what became known as the Hack-a-Splitter strategy to disrupt San Antonio's offensive flow.  On five consecutive possessions the Thunder intentionally fouled Thiago Splitter, sending him to the free throw line where he converted on 6 of 12 shots in the game.  In the 4th quarter the Thunder were able to cut the Spurs' lead down to 6 points after head coach Scott Brooks decided to use a smaller lineup by removing starting center Kendrick Perkins, who was ineffective in assisting Russell Westbrook in guarding Parker on the pick and roll.  With a smaller, more athletic lineup on the floor Oklahoma City was able to make the proper defensive rotations to prevent the Spurs from having wide open shots on the perimeter.  Brooks also made an adjustment which proved to be crucial in the final minutes of the game by switching on every Parker pick and roll.  The Thunder was ultimately unable to pull through, despite monster games from its big three of Kevin Durant (31 points), Russell Westbrook (27 points) and James Harden (30 points off the bench.)  In order to win the next game, OKC is going to have to receive better performances from the rest of team, which combined for only 23 points.  The Spurs on the other hand were given a boost by role players like Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard who finished with 10 and 18 points respectively.