Serge Ibaka would have made a difference in this series.
The 24-year-old power forward suffered a calf injury in Game 6 against the Los Angeles Clippers, likely leaving him unavailable for the remainder of the playoffs.
Back in 2012—the last time the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder met up in the conference finals—Ibaka was arguably the player who decided a six-point Game 4 victory. He went 11-for-11 from the field, draining mid-range jumpers as if he didn't know how to miss. He finished the game with 26 points.
In turn, the Thunder tied the series at two games apiece, laying the foundation for an eventual six-game victory. The Spurs were up in that series, 2-0, brimming with confidence.
This time the Spurs will know better. Even without Ibaka around. Even with James Harden at home watching the playoffs from afar. Even with Oklahoma City sacrificing ball movement in order to park the ball in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook's hands.
San Antonio will know better.
This is a team that's been trained never to get too high or too low. It's as even-keeled as a te ...
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Article written by Stephen Babb
San Antonio Spurs Can’t Overlook Wounded OKC Thunder on Road to NBA Finals
May 17th, 2014 by Stephen Babb Leave a reply »
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