"Western Conference Finals Preview: A Tale Of Two Young Franchises"

We've reached the final hurdle before one of these two young
franchises represent their spot in the NBA Finals. Top seeded Oklahoma
City Thunder will host the San Antonio Spurs and look to make it a clean
sweep. It's arguably the "NBA Finals" in part of whoever wins this series
will gentlemen's sweep the Eastern Conference team in five games. Will
the Thunder be well rested after striking Los Angeles or rusty enough to
have an off balanced game one?

Oklahoma City Thunder
The defending champions will attempt to impose their will early in this
series. Led by more than likely MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, nothing
has phased them. Very well coached and a deep bench to play nine to
ten guys if needed. Even without one of their key contributors in Jalen
Williams out with injury, there's been no shaking in their boots. With the
challenge ahead, Williams' presence would help defend Spurs superstar
Victor Wembanyama. Veteran Alex Caruso will be one of the x-factor's
in orchestrating OKC's defensive scheme.

The biggest and glaring matchup: Chet Holgrem versus Wemby will
decide this series. Two titans in their own right but the height advantage
works in San Antonio's favor. What will it take to somehow create
mismatches and keep Wemby from impacting the series? Not much in
part of he can run the floor, play great defense, shoot from anywhere
and not break a sweat. Holgrem can hold his own, but the double team
meshed with physical play will need to stay within rules. A player like
Wemby can decode the defense, make the necessary reads and leave
whoever is defending him on a highlight reel.

San Antonio Spurs:

For the first time, San Antonio are back in a deep postseason run since
2017. Back to where the franchise fell apart with former superstar Kawhi
Leonard's tenure ended with a torn quad. Lean years filled losing
seasons, coaching changes, bad roster moves and finally drafting
Wemby. Drafting fairly well with Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, and a
slew of role players who know what's expected of them.

In a gritty series versus Minnesota, the Spurs overwhelmed and
imposed their will. Going up against the defending champion Thunder,
it's a different animal. San Antonio won the regular season series with
ease; but this will be a much bigger challenge. With a trip to the NBA
Finals on deck, the room for error is very slim. The Spurs will need to
steal game one in order to strike fear and urgency. A must win mentality
will push this young team's confidence.

Reigning two time MVP SGA will likely try to throw his body into foul
baiting early. Theatrics and looking for whistles can work against San
Antonio. Playing sound defense and making it difficult for SGA will give
them a chance. Taking away role players who can impact the series
needs to be point of emphasis. SGA is the engine who makes everyone
go full throttle. This is where I believe Castle can make life difficult and
force OKC their full deck of cards.

If it boils down to SGA and Wemby taking last second shots, the series
will be very entertaining and likely going the distance. Young franchises
who've been scratching and clawing for the spotlight. When it shines
bright, superstars will need to show up and deliver their best games.