I agree with Charles Barkley, it's over for the San Antonio Spurs.
They haven't shown that they could win a game in Oklahoma City. The two games they played there, they lost convincingly - one of which was a blowout. The Thunder and their fans will be fired up and ready to go for Game 6.
The Thunder seemed to the Spurs all figured out.
From Foxsports: “According to hoopdata.com, Ibaka was a bitter 25 percent this season on shots taken within 10-15 feet of the rim. In Game 4, he was 6 for 6. Perkins made 21 percent of his attempts from that range during the season, but made 2 of the 3 he unleashed Saturday night.”
I’ve been watching the Boston Celtics battle the Miami Heat in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals, and so far the referees seem to favor Miami. I’ve written about the obvious late non-call on Dwyane Wade when he slapped Rajon Rondo’s face during a layup in game two. That non-call lead to a fast-break and two extra points for the Heat. It’s a four point swing that decided that game.
I’ve always known Serge Ibaka as a shot blocker. He’s almost like a younger, smaller version of Ben Wallace without the rebounding. He plays the power forward and center positions for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In yesterday’s NBA Western Conference Finals game against the San Antonio Spurs, he was a perfect 11 for 11, scoring 26 points mostly from mid-range jumpers. I didn’t know he’s so accurate outside of the painted area. In the past games I’ve seen him play, he’s only good for put-backs.