Thunder vs Spurs G4
Serge Ibaka certainly made his presence felt in his return from injury. 15 points on 6-7 shooting, seven rebounds and four blocks in 29 minutes. What a performance. His hot start got the Thunder out to an early advantage, but more importantly, his defense completely slowed down San Antonio’s offense. In the first two games, the Spurs averaged 60 points in the paint. In Game 3, they scored just 40.
The difference in intensity was the biggest key. Thunder played more aggressively because it was a must win for them. The Spurs didn’t play their usual tight game having too many missed shots and other mistakes. With Serge out there, San Antonio struggled to get points in the paint, they settled for midrange jumpers and tough floaters and missed them. Spurs other than Manu Ginobili shot just 35.9% from the field and San Antonio clearly lost the battle on the boards (52-36).
That said we expect the Spurs to bounce back with a different mindset. Choach Pop will make the adjustments and use this loss to make the Spurs play more aggressive, attentive, and not complacent. With Ibaka playing the Spurs aren’t 20 points better but they still are the better team. Their bench is much stronger, and they are moving the ball better. Dont forget games 1 and 2 where OKC was clairly outcoached, outplayed, outhustled and out defended. The Thunder won game 3 on sheer emotion and will, but San Antonio will make adjustments and take game 4 with 4/10 units.
GL