Devin Vassell speaks on how physicality has played a role in the WCF vs OKC

Devin Vassell speaks on how physicality has played a role in the WCF vs OKC originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Western Conference Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder have been physical. OKC has always been known as a physical team that can overwhelm opponents, but it seems San Antonio is matching them.

Devin Vassell and the rest of the Spurs are dealing with the physicality they are facing from the Thunder. Now, they are going blow-for-blow, as head coach Mitch Johnson is encouraging them to fight fire with fire.

Devin Vassell and the Spurs are ready to match the Thunder's physicality

For the longest time, the Thunder have been a dominant force in the NBA. They have been superb offensively because of  Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's special talent. On the other hand, they are the best in the league with their physical defense.

With players like Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, and Cason Wallace, they can lock down almost any player in the league. They are physical with their defense, which is why their opponents tend to fold.

MORE: Mark Daigneault admits the Thunder messed up with their approach for Game 4

The Spurs are also an elite defensive side, so they want to match up well against the Thunder. Vassell has spoken about how he and the rest of his teammates are willing to match what the Thunder have given them.

"I think they're super physical; they get away with a lot, and we try to use that against them too. We're trying to be ultra physical, beat them up, speed them up, cause turnovers, and get out in transition," Vassell said to ESPN after the Game 4 blowout victory.

"It's the NBA Playoffs, they get away with it, we get away with it, they can't call everything."

Vassell makes valid points because the NBA Playoffs are usually the stage of the season where everything tightens up. Physicality is allowed, and with the level of physicality seen in this series, it will continue until the series ends.

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