Sunday night the Oklahoma City Thunder were whole.
Center Serge Ibaka made his return from what was previously thought to be a season ending injury. His return was much needed, as he provided the defensive energy necessary for the Thunder to play free on the perimeter without worry or fear of Tony Parker, Tim Duncan or Manu Ginobili wreaking havoc in the paint near the rim.
Ibaka had a profound impact on the game, as Oklahoma claimed a 106-97 Game 3 victory to pull within one (1-2) in the best-of-seven series.
What a performance by Serge Ibaka who dropped 15pts, 7rbs & 4blks inspiring the @okcthunder to a 106-97 victory over @spurs in Game 3.
— NBA (@NBA) May 26, 2014
The final score indicated a mere nine-point victory, but the game wasn’t nearly as close. The Thunder were up 104-84 (20 points) with 3:16 remaining in the fourth quarter before taking Ibaka and Westbrook out of the game. It was at this point that San Antonio’s bench warmers began cutting into the lead, though the game was too far out of reach. With four minutes remaining, rapper Wale openly questioned Scott Brooks’ player personnel strategy.
Ibaka still in the game and OKC up by 16 wit 4mn left?? — Wale Folarin (@Wale) May 26, 2014
Spurs reserve big men Aron Baynes and Boris Diaw took to Twitter to express their thoughts after the game.
Didn’t play Spurs ball tonight, will get back to playing our way Tuesday #GoSpursGo #WCF — Aron Baynes (@aronbaynes) May 26, 2014
Our objective and goal don’t change. We need to play better next game and execute as we loved. Thanks for you support fans. #GoSpursGo — Boris Diaw (@theborisdiaw) May 26, 2014
Hall of Fame legend Magic Johnson attributed the victory to the change in the starting lineup.
Serge Ibaka and Reggie Jackson in the starting line up make OKC quicker and more athletic and the Spurs will have a rough time matching up. — Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 26, 2014
A few other players, former and current also expressed their thoughts.
Unselfish play by KD and RW 19 shots apiece and plenty left for teammates , Secret to beating Spurs. @okcthunder @spurs — Eddie A Johnson (@Jumpshot8) May 26, 2014
U can see this team is totally different with ibaka. — rudy gobert (@rudygobert15) May 26, 2014
“@tl_gr: @Dame_Lillard how come you couldn’t beat the Spurs like the Thunder can?” The thunder have beat them once, so did we
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) May 26, 2014
Some very intriguing stats as indicated on Twitter.
Thunder’s Big 2 outscore Spurs’ Big 3 in Game 3. • Westbrook/Durant: 51 points • Duncan/Parker/Ginobili: 48 points
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 26, 2014
#IbakaEffect Spurs shot 67% in paint in Games 1& 2, 48% in Game 3 — ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 26, 2014
Game 3 of 2012 WCF between these two: Spurs shot 39.5%, OKC blocked nine shots. Game 3 of 2014 WCF: Spurs shot 39.6%, OKC blocked 10 shots. — Zach Harper (@talkhoops) May 26, 2014
The often sarcastic NBA writer, Netw3rk, expressed displeasure with the how things have developed in Oklahoma City in the big picture.
Ibaka risking his body when the OKC front office wouldn’t risk its cap.
— netw3rk (@netw3rk) May 26, 2014
To further explain this idea; the core group of young star players who carried Oklahoma City to the Finals in 2012 [Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka and James Harden] were split up in large part due to the Thunder’s unwillingness to exceed the salary cap and incur luxury taxes. Yet, while the Thunder brass wouldn’t take a financial hit in the best interest of the team’s on-court production, they expect their players to be willing to sacrifice their bodies and health—like Ibaka—to bring the team wins.
The idea certainly has some truth to it.
After the game, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich was the star, making a room of reporters burst in laughter.
pop wins the press conference, at least.
— Bomani Jones (@bomani_jones) May 26, 2014
Game 3 has some eager to see Game 4, others may be looking ahead to the Finals already.
This game makes me want to see a fully charged OKC and Heat series
— Maurice Clarett (@ReeseClarett13) May 26, 2014
Anyone else think Game 4 is going to be something else? Adjustments by Spurs and can Ibaka have repeat performance? Let’s play it already!
— Ronnie 2K 2K15 (@Ronnie2K) May 26, 2014
With Game 4 set to tip off Tuesday night, it will be interesting to see how the Spurs adjust and if Ibaka’s health holds up. If he can play at anything near 100-percent, there may be good chances of this becoming a six or seven game series.
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Michael Brumagin writes the Tweet of the Day for SheridanHoops.com and is also a correspondent for BleacherReport.com. Follow @mbrumagin