 |
| Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/playoffs/2014/05/25 |
Ibaka started after missing the first two games of the series and scored 15 points, seven rebounds and four blocks. Kevin Durant and Russel Westbrook seemed to have gained their confidence back with Ibaka on the floor with them scoring 25 points and 10 rebounds and 26 points, eight rebounds and seven assists respectively.
''Obviously Serge came in and gave us a big lift not only on the defensive end but the offensive end,'' Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. The Thunder originally said he would miss the rest of the playoffs but changed course Friday. His presence helped the Thunder dominate and cut the Spurs' lead in the series to 2-1.
Meanwhile, a vintage Manu Ginobili played for the Spurs with 23 points (6-9 3pt FG) and Tim Duncan added 16 points and eight rebounds. But that was not enough for the Spurs to bury the Thunder into a 3-0 hole with Tony Parker and the rest of their starters struggling both in offense and defense.
Game 4 is on Wednesday (Philippine Time) in Oklahoma City and the Thunder have the chance to tie the series if they continue to play like how they did it in Game 3.
"Hopefully we realize that if we're not intense, not very sharp and don't hustle like crazy, we're not going to win here .They showed us reality. Hopefully we react in Game 4 and play a much better game, " Ginobili said.