By Jeje Gomez, Marilyn Dubinski, Mark Barrington, Jacob Douglas | Pounding The Rock (PtR), 2025-06-05 07:41:30
由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
雷霆队和步行者队是最后两支站着的球队，看看他们是如何走到这一步的，可以为圣安东尼奥提供一份重返争冠行列的路线图。
为什么雷霆队能从西部突围，马刺队能从他们身上学到什么？
玛丽莲·杜宾斯基 (Marilyn Dubinski) ：雷霆队能从西部突围，因为他们是最全面、最灵活的球队。他们赛季结束时进攻效率排名第4，防守效率排名第1，净效率值最高（所以不用说，他们既能得分又能防守）。他们通过增加亚历克斯·卡鲁索 (Alex Caruso) 这样一位外线防守悍将和以赛亚·哈尔滕施泰因 (Isaiah Hartenstein) 这样一位注重防守的内线球员来缓解切特·霍姆格伦 (Chet Holmgren) 的压力，从而弥补了上赛季的弱点。最后，他们还有MVP来带领球队。如果这一切听起来很耳熟，那是因为这正是我们一直在说的马刺队需要做的事情，也是我们听到的他们将在休赛期要做的事情：升级侧翼，并在中锋位置增加可靠的深度和多样性，围绕维克托·文班亚马 (Victor Wembanyama) 这样的MVP候选人进行建设。
马克·巴林顿 (Mark Barrington) ：这没什么神秘的。他们天赋异禀，拥有MVP，还有一位富有创新精神的年轻教练。他们阵容深度足够，打法多样，而且非常出色。唯一可能阻止他们成为长期王朝的是劳资协议 (CBA)，以及他们将不得不支付大量资金来保持阵容的完整，因为新秀合同即将到期。但他们可以保留核心阵容，并通过囤积的大量选秀权来不断补充新鲜血液，所以也许马刺队只需要变得更好，而不是等待雷霆队衰落。
雅各布·道格拉斯 (Jacob Douglas) ：防守赢得总冠军……而且拥有MVP也有帮助。雷霆队今年的防守效率排名第1，对手每场得分排名第3。他们拥有卢·多尔特 (Lu Dort)、亚历克斯·卡鲁索 (Alex Caruso)、杰伦·威廉姆斯 (Jalen Williams) 和切特·霍姆格伦 (Chet Holmgren) 这样的锁防球员来支持谢伊·吉尔杰斯-亚历山大 (SGA) 的得分。关键在于，这些防守悍将也能投篮。圣安东尼奥拥有像杰里米·索汉 (Jeremy Sochan) 和斯蒂芬·卡斯尔 (Stephon Castle) 这样的优秀防守者，但他们不能投篮。增加更多能够围绕文班亚马 (Wembanyama) 建立精英防守的双向球员，将是打造一支争冠阵容的关键。
赫苏斯·戈麦斯 (Jesus Gomez) ：顶级天赋和阵容深度的结合是很难击败的。他们拥有联盟近年来最好的得分手之一，并且拥有大量的互补型双向球员，这些球员不仅支持而且增强了谢伊·吉尔杰斯-亚历山大 (SGA) 在进攻端的表现。他们破坏性的防守使得对手很难形成任何节奏。但经验可能是让他们更胜一筹的原因。上赛季，俄克拉荷马雷霆队 (OKC) 在西部排名第一，但他们拥有一支年轻的核心阵容，他们仍在寻找自己的定位，并被卢卡·东契奇 (Luka Doncic) 和达拉斯独行侠队淘汰。在那次失利之后，他们进行了正确的引援，并调整了他们的风格，成为了今天的强大球队。马刺队需要做同样的事情。如果一切顺利，他们下赛季应该能进入季后赛，并利用这些经验来了解自己的实力以及如何变得更好。
为什么步行者队能从东部突围，马刺队能从他们身上学到什么？
杜宾斯基 (Dubinski) ：整个答案与雷霆队相似。步行者队的进攻效率排名第2，防守效率排名第8，所以再次强调，这是一支冠军球队的构成要素。他们在每个位置都很强大，而且拥有阵容深度，这使得他们能够战胜纽约尼克斯队，而且再一次，不管公平与否，汤姆·锡伯杜 (Tom Thibodeau) 缺乏轮换以及他的首发球员的上场时间过长，都受到了指责，认为是他球队未能进入总决赛的原因。（也就是说，我从没想过他们会解雇他。）回到步行者队，也可以毫不夸张地说，泰瑞斯·哈利伯顿 (Tyrese Haliburton) 是受到了那项愚蠢的球员民意调查的激励，该调查称他是联盟中被高估最多的球员。带着不服输的心态打球，并以正确的方式利用它，几乎总能带来成功。
巴林顿 (Barrington) ：里克·卡莱尔 (Rick Carlisle) 是一位非常伟大的教练，他建立步行者队的体系是为了最大限度地发挥他们的天赋。他们不仅速度快，而且总是准备好在防守落位之前将球推进到前场。他们通过对手投篮命中后的快攻得到很多分数。他们从不浪费任何一次球权，并用他们的深度和不懈的防守压力来消耗对手。哈利伯顿 (Haliburton) 是他们的明星，但每个球员都知道自己的角色并擅长于此。这种准备在关键时刻尤为重要，因为它使他们有能力在比赛接近尾声时，在比分接近的情况下赢得任何一场比赛。马刺队需要效仿他们的强度和执行力，并学习如何赢得势均力敌的比赛。
道格拉斯 (Douglas) ：我们能说这是因为凯尔特人队在对阵尼克斯队的比赛中失误了吗？当然，开玩笑的。印第安纳是另一支强大的防守球队，他们的球员遍布球场，可以投篮。我特别喜欢他们拥有多名可以创造进攻或投中三分的控球后卫。也许圣安东尼奥未来也能拥有类似的人，比如迪伦·哈珀 (Dylan Harper) 和达龙·福克斯 (De’Aaron Fox)？
戈麦斯 (Gomez) ：步行者队知道他们是谁。他们训练有素，拥有独特的风格，每个人都知道对他们的期望是什么。就一二号位的组合而言，哈利伯顿 (Haliburton) 和西亚卡姆 (Siakam) 在纸面上排名不高，但他们之间以及整个球队之间存在协同效应。这些拼图很契合。这就是马刺队应该从他们的表现中学到的：整体必须大于部分之和。由于新的劳资协议，找到被低估的人才很难但也很必要，而且名字不如凝聚力重要。
你认为谁会赢得NBA总决赛，为什么？
杜宾斯基 (Dubinski) ：我认为会是雷霆队，仅仅是因为他们最好的球员比步行者队的略胜一筹，但我认为比赛会比许多人想象的更加接近。我看到大多数民意调查都说雷霆队会在4或5场比赛中获胜，但如果你认为步行者队会如此轻易地放弃，那你一定没有关注他们的比赛。他们在攻防两端都足够强大，可以跟上节奏，所以我认为他们能把比赛拖到6或7场，但最终雷霆队将拥有太多的火力和纪律来克服。
巴林顿 (Barrington) ：雷霆队在天赋上占优势，但步行者队拥有更好的战术体系，并且教练水平更高。我认为戴格诺特 (Daigneault) 是一位好教练，但卡莱尔 (Carlisle) 是一位非常伟大的教练，他会发现并剖析对手比赛计划中的任何缺陷。我认为这个系列赛会很像2014年小牛队对阵马刺队的首轮季后赛系列赛，当时一支天赋较弱的达拉斯队几乎击败了阵容强大的马刺队，他们在前一年总决赛输给热火队后开始了复仇之旅。我认为雷霆队会赢，但这将是一个非常接近且引人入胜的系列赛。如果系列赛进行到第七场，并由最后一投决定胜负，我不会感到惊讶。在这种情况下，我很难不看好哈利伯顿 (Haliburton)。
道格拉斯 (Douglas) ：俄克拉荷马雷霆队 (OKC) 是一支强大的球队。我不认为步行者队能够与他们可以派出的所有不同的阵容相抗衡，特别是切特·霍姆格伦 (Holmgren) 打五号位的小个阵容。如果印第安纳有任何希望，那就是在这个季后赛中，失误较少的球队通常会获胜。步行者队非常擅长控制失误，但雷霆队非常擅长抢断。我不认为会是横扫，但我认为雷霆队会在6场比赛中获胜。
戈麦斯 (Gomez) ：步行者队才华横溢、坚韧不拔且充满乐趣，但雷霆队似乎更胜一筹。正如雅各布 (Jacob) 指出的那样，观察谁能赢得失误控制权的争夺将会很有趣，因为这可能是印第安纳队可以赢得的势均力敌的比赛和潜在的惨败之间的区别。我可以看到事情进展顺利几次，尤其是如果杰伦·威廉姆斯 (Jalen Williams) 表现不佳，但不会超过这些。俄克拉荷马雷霆队 (OKC) 拥有太多的优秀防守者，并且已经证明他们能够以足够高的效率在顶级球队面前得分。我认为在雷霆队赢得他们的第一个总冠军之前，我们将看到五到六场精彩的比赛。
点击查看原文：2025 NBA Finals: What the Spurs can learn from the Thunder and Pacers
2025 NBA Finals: What the Spurs can learn from the Thunder and Pacers
The Thunder and Pacers are the last two teams standing, and taking a look at how they got there could offer San Antonio a roadmap back to contention.
Why did the Thunder come out of the West, and what can the Spurs learn from them?
Marilyn Dubinski: The Thunder came out of the West because they’re the most well-rounded, versatile team. They finished the season 4th in offensive rating and 1st on defense for the best net rating (so it goes without saying that they can both score and defend). They addressed their weaknesses from last season by adding a perimeter stopper in Alex Caruso and a defensive-minded big man in Isaiah Hartenstein to take some pressure off Chet Holmgren. Finally, they have the MVP to lead the way. If all of this sounds familiar, it’s because it’s exactly what we’ve been saying the Spurs need to do and what we’re hearing they will this offseason: get an upgrade at the wing, and add reliable depth and versatility at center to build out around an MVP candidate in Victor Wembanyama.
Mark Barrington: There’s not a lot of mystery here. They’re loaded with talent, they have the MVP, and an innovative young coach. They’re deep, versatile and just damn good. The only thing that could keep them from becoming a long-term dynasty is the CBA and the fact that they are going to have to pay a lot to keep their roster intact as the rookie contracts roll off. But they can keep their core and keep replenishing it with the dozens of draft picks that they have stockpiled, so maybe the Spurs are just going to need to get a LOT better instead of waiting for the Thunder to fade.
Jacob Douglas: Defense wins championships… and having the MVP helps too. The Thunder were 1st in defensive rating and 3rd in opponents’ points per game this year. They have lockdown defenders like Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren to back up SGA’s scoring. The key here is that those defensive studs can also knock down shots. San Antonio has some good defenders like Jeremy Sochan and Stephon Castle, but they can’t shoot. Adding more two-way players who can create an elite defense around Wembanyama will be key to building a contending roster.
Jesus Gomez: The combination of top-end talent and depth is hard to beat. They have one of the best scorers the league has seen in recent years and plenty of complementary two-way pieces that not only support but enhance what SGA does on offense. And their disruptive defense makes it hard for opponents to develop any sort of rhythm. But experience is probably what put them over the top. Last season OKC finished first in the West but had a young core that was still finding its identity and got bounced by Luka Doncic and the Mavericks. After that failure, they made the right acquisitions and tweaked their style to become the juggernaut they are today. The Spurs need to do the same. If everything goes well, they should make the playoffs next season and use that experience to find out how good they are and what it would take to get better.
Why did the Pacers come out of the East, and what can the Spurs learn from them?
Dubinski: The entire answer is similar to the Thunder. The Pacers are 2nd on offense and 8th on defense, so again, the makings of a championship team. They’re strong at every position and have depth, which is what allowed them to outlast the New York Knicks, and once again, fair or not, Tom Thibodeau’s lack of rotations and heavy minutes for his starters are being blamed for his team failing to reach the finals. (That being said, I never thought they’d fire him.) Back to the Pacers, it also wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that Tyrese Haliburton was motivated by that dumb players poll calling him the most overrated player in the league. Playing with a chip on your shoulder and harnessing it the correct way is almost always a recipe for success.
Barrington: Rick Carlisle is an all-time great coach, and he built the Pacers’ system to maximize doing the things that match their talents. They’re not just fast, they’re always prepared to advance the ball to the frontcourt before the defense is set. They score a ton of fastbreak baskets off of made buckets for the other team. There is never a wasted possession, and they wear opponents down with their depth and relentless defensive pressure. Haliburton is their star, but every player knows their role and excels in it. This preparation is especially important in crunch time, as it makes them capable of stealing any game where the score is close with time running out. The Spurs need to copy their intensity and execution and learn how to win close games.
Douglas: Can we say it’s because the Celtics choked against the Knicks? Kidding, of course. Indiana is another solid defensive team that has players all over the court who can knock down shots. I particularly like how they have multiple ball-handlers who can create plays or knock down threes. Maybe San Antonio can have something similar with Dylan Harper and De’Aaron Fox down the line?
Gomez: The Pacers know who they are. They are extremely well-coached, they have a distinct identity, and everyone knows what is expected of them. As far as one-two punches go, Haliburton and Siakam wouldn’t rank highly on paper, but there’s synergy between them and the entire team. The pieces fit. That’s what the Spurs should take away from their run: the whole has to be greater than the sum of its parts. Finding underappreciated talent is hard but necessary due to the new CBA, and names are less important than cohesion.
Who do you think will win the NBA Finals and why?
Dubinski: I think it will be the Thunder simply because their best players are slightly better than the Pacers’, but I think it will be closer than many think. I see most polls saying Thunder in 4 or 5, but if you think the Pacers will fold that easily, you haven’t been watching. They have the strength on both sides to keep up, so I think they get it to 6 or 7, but ultimately the Thunder will have too much firepower and discipline to overcome.
Barrington: The Thunder has the edge in talent, but the Pacers have the better scheme and are better-coached. I think Daigneault is a good coach, but Carlisle is an all-time great, and he will find and dissect any flaws in the opponent’s game plan. I think this series will be a lot like the 2014 Mavericks-Spurs first-round playoff series, where a less-talented Dallas team almost pulled off an upset on the loaded Spurs, who were on a revenge tour after losing to the Heat in the Finals the previous year. I think the Thunder will win, but it will be a very close and entertaining series. I wouldn’t be surprised if the series goes to seven games and is decided by the final shot. I’d find it hard to bet against Haliburton in that scenario.
Douglas: OKC is a juggernaut. I don’t think the Pacers will be able to contend with all of the different lineups they can throw out, particularly the smaller lineup with Holmgren at the 5. If Indiana has any hope, it’s that the team that doesn’t turn the ball over much has typically won in these playoffs. The Pacers are excellent at taking care of the basketball, but the Thunder are great at taking it away. I don’t think it’ll be a sweep, but give me the Thunder in 6.
Gomez: The Pacers are talented, tough, and fun, but the Thunder seem to be on another level. It’s going to be interesting to see who wins the turnover battle, as Jacob pointed out, because it could be the difference between close games Indiana can win and potential blowouts. I can see things going well for Rick Carlisle’s guys a couple of times, especially if Jalen Williams struggles, but not more than that. OKC simply has too many good defenders and has shown they can score against top-tier teams at a high enough rate. I think we’ll get five or six entertaining games before the Thunder win their first title.
By Jeje Gomez, Marilyn Dubinski, Mark Barrington, Jacob Douglas, via Pounding The Rock