SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Spurs head into a hostile environment for Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Spurs will be looking to take back home court advantage after losing Game 2 to the Thunder 98-97 in the AT&T Center, allowing the Thunder to tie the series 1-1.
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The scenario falls right into the Spurs wheelhouse, needing a win on the road in enemy territory.
"Here is one of the best arenas, it is very loud here they have great fans and it is going to be a great game," said Tony Parker.
"Second round playoff game so it is going to be crazy I hope," said Enes Kanter.
The Spurs have always embraced the challenge. "To win a championship you have to win on the road, you can't expect only winning a game at home so you have to win on the road," Parker said.
Winning on the road has somewhat defined this team since they have been so successful at it. "On the road you have to execute even more and you have to take care of the ball," Parker said.
And you have to make shots. The Spurs will need to make shots against what is expected to be another aggressive, physical Thunder team.
LaMarcus Aldridge is leading the Spurs with a 39.5 points per game average in this round but he could use some help.
Parker has all the faith that Kawhi Leonard will find his touch. Leonard scored 25 in Game 1, but struggled in Game 2 with 14 points on 7 of 18 shooting.
"Don't really worry about Kawhi, he will be fine, he will find his rhythm again. They did a good job on him in Game 2 but Game 3 is going to be another game," Parker said.
San Antonio native Andre Roberson gets a lot of the credit for making things hard on Leonard in Game 2.
"Game 2 I got a little bit better feel for him and kind of served my will on him," said Roberson. "It is just one game. (I’ve) got to do it again tonight (Friday) and continue to do it through the series and keep it going."
The Thunder know it will not be easy to keep it going in Game 3. "They have had three long days of that bitter taste in their mouth and we know they are going to come fired up tonight," said Roberson.