OKLAHOMA CITY – The Thunder and Spurs are about as different as can be.
San Antonio is still winning with the same old core. Tim Duncan just turned 38, Manu Ginobili is 36 and Tony Parker is 32. The trio won its first NBA title together in 2003 and fought back Father Time to reach the NBA Finals last year. They will play in their seventh Western Conference finals together, starting with Game 1 Monday night in San Antonio.
Oklahoma City matches the Spurs' teamwork and veteran savvy with the dynamic play of two 25-year-olds. Kevin Durant, the league MVP, is averaging 31.4 points and 9.5 rebounds in the playoffs. Ultra-athletic point guard Russell Westbrook is averaging 26.6 points, 8.4 assists and 8.0 rebounds in the postseason.
Oklahoma City won all four regular-season meetings.
