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The Western Conference Finals are living up to the hype. This was billed as one of the best series in recent history, and it looks a series destined to go seven games. Both teams took care of business on their home court, and now we are all square at two games each. Game Five is pivotal for both teams. Who will have the edge in this one?

Oklahoma City dominated defensively in Game Three, and they were spectacular offensively in Game Four. Serge Ibaka went 11 for 11 for 26 points in what was the best offensive game of his career. Kevin Durant scored 18 points in the final seven minutes of the game when the Spurs were making a big run. Durant seemed to have the answer every time San Antonio got within four or five points. Oklahoma City shot 56.4% from the floor in Game Four. Kendrick Perkins even got in on the action with 15 points in the crucial win.

Russell Westbrook has struggle on the offensive end in this series, but he has been putting forth a ton of effort on the defensive end. James Harden has shown he is capable of getting to the rim almost all the time, and he is also a very solid three-point shooter. The Thunder must keep the defensive pressure up as the series shifts back to San Antonio.

San Antonio had won 20 straight games heading into Game Three, but the Thunder really dominated both games in Oklahoma City. Now, the Spurs must regroup and try to regain their footing in this tightly contested series. Manu Ginobili had two of his best games of the season in the first two games of this series, but he has been seemingly absent in the last couple games much of the time. Tony Parker is the real catalyst for this offense, but the Thunder have been doing a much better job making him work hard to get good looks. Kawhi Leonard almost single-handedly kept the team in Game Four, and he has looked great in the postseason.

The Spurs offense will come around, but they must be able to get some stops as well. In the fourth quarter of Game Four, if San Antonio could have gotten some key stops they really did have a chance to win. The interior defense of the Spurs must make life tougher for guys like Ibaka and Perkins.

Free NBA Pick: Thunder +5

Oklahoma City is coming into this game with tons of confidence, but the Spurs will certainly be much better at home. We haven’t seen a game go down to the wire yet, but I think this one has a great chance to be an extremely tight game. Both teams understand the importance of this contest.