The Thunder have a chance at getting some momentum going after the Game 3 win. The Spurs had no answer for them which could continue if players like Tony Parker struggle at both ends of the court. Game 4 is a critical home game for the Thunder and they hope to pull off another win.
The Thunder can credit lineup adjustments for the win. Point guard Reggie Jackson played 15 minutes giving the team another scoring threat. Steven Adams played well of the bench. He put up nine rebounds and four blocks to pair with Ibaka. The result was the Thunder outrebounding the Spurs 52-36.
The Spurs could have issues with Serge Ibaka back. The team won the first two games by a combined 52 points, but could not stop the machine that was Ibaka as the Thunder led for as many as 20 points during one point in the fourth quarter. Head coach Scott Brooks praised the star for jumping in so willingly for the team and helping get the win. If Ibaka can keep things up, the Thunder might be able to pull off the impossible win.
San Antonio's problems stemmed way past Ibaka. The team was not shooting well. They were not aggressive offensively. They were not getting to the free throw line. They looked a bit slow and the Thunder took advantage. Oklahoma City outscored them 26-15 from the line while Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook went 8-for-8 in free throw attempts.
Ibaka reportedly was out for the remainder of the season when he suffered a calf injury. The Thunder were lost without him. However, in an act of desperation, Ibaka played 30 minutes in Game 3 looking healthier than ever. He had 15 points, seven rebounds and four blocks while claiming he struggled with pain during the game.
The Oklahoma City Thunder showed signs of life in Game 3. The team looked poised for getting swept right out of the Western Conference finals, but instead they pulled it together using home court advantage to get the much-needed win and little momentum. And then there was Serge Ibaka who the Spurs had no answer for. Can San Antonio come back better in Game 4?
