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| Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/playoffs/2014/05/27/oklahoma-city-thunder-vs-san-antonio-spurs |
After Serge Ibaka's return in Game 3 which the Thunder won 106-97, OKC seemed to finally complete the Thunder puzzle that would make the Spurs to prove itself yet again. Russel Westbrook and Kevin Durant became so effective scoring 40 points, ten assists and 31 points respectively. Ibaka added eight points and nine rebounds for the team.
Oklahoma City dominated for the second consecutive game after getting blown out in the first two. The Thunder committed just seven turnovers and shot 49 percent from the field.
The Spurs scored the first eight points of the game, but things went downhill from there. A steal and dunk by Westbrook gave the Thunder a 42-32 lead with just under five minutes left in the first half. Back-to-back 3-pointers by Durant pushed Oklahoma City's lead to 50-36 and eventually led the first half 58-43.
Tony Parker shot 6 of 9 in the first half, but the rest of the Spurs made just 11 of 32 before the break. Gregg Popovich decided to bench his starters on the second half, sat stone-faced and watched the one-sided affair unfold. Tim Duncan and other starters had a rough and tough night while Boris Diaw, who came off the bench played well for San Antonio with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
"It's a great challenge, and they're playing well against us," Parker said. "We just have to go out there and play better. I don't know how to explain it. It's the Western Conference finals. We're playing a great team and going back home. We just have to find a way to win."
Game 5 is on Friday (Philippine time) back at San Antonio and it is definitely going to be a dog fight.