Game Preview: Round 2, Game 3 – San Antonio Spurs vs Golden State Warriors

May 8, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (left), and Manu Ginobili (center), and forward Tim Duncan (right) during the national anthem before game two of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at the AT

The San Antonio Spurs aren’t far removed from being in this situation.

In 2011, the Spurs split the first two home games with the Memphis Grizzlies, before going on the road and losing games 3 and 4. And I think it’s obvious that we’re all hoping for a different outcome than that this year. And in the series in general.

But Oracle Arena (also referred to as ROARacle) presents a stiff challenge. The Nuggets couldn’t crack the code, as they lost all 3 games in Oakland in the first round, but maybe San Antonio’s championship experience can help them steal one. One thing is for certain though – the Spurs cannot continue to let the Warriors get comfortable on offense. In the playoffs, Golden State shoots 49.5% on field goals, 36.7% on three pointers and averages 106 points a game at home, most of which are well below what the Warriors are averaging against the Spurs through two games.

That obviously can’t continue.

The keys to victory are simple: Share the ball on offense and continue with the defensive intensity the Spurs displayed in the second half of Game 2. As long as those two remain constant for 48 minutes, San Antonio should win. Eventually the shots will fall as well.

Or at least we hope.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP

Point GuardsTony Parker  –  Stephen CurryShooting GuardsDanny Green  –  Klay ThompsonSmall ForwardsKawhi Leonard  –  Harrison BarnesPower ForwardsTim Duncan  –  Draymond GreenCentersTiago Splitter  –  Andrew Bogut

Key Bench PlayersGary Neal, Manu Ginobili, Boris Diaw  –   Jarrett Jack, Carl Landry, Festus Ezeli

Head CoachesGregg Popovich  –  Mark Jackson

Game and Broadcast Information

When: Friday, May 10th, 2013 at 9:30 P.M. CentralWhere: Oracle Arena – Oakland, CaliforniaTelevision: ESPN (National)  Radio: WOAI 1200 AM (Local)

For perspective on the Golden State Warriors, check out Fansided’s own Blue Man Hoop.