Serge Ibaka’s absence was evident last night as San Antonio outscored Oklahoma City 66-32 in the paint. The Thunder had no answer for future hall of famer Tim Duncan either. As he finished with 27 points, scoring 21 of those points in the first half.
The Thunder’s rim protector is definitely out for this series, but he’s hopeful to return in the NBA Finals if his team can get past San Antonio.
Oklahoma City believes the injury has a one-to-two month recovery period, but Ibaka apparently has other thoughts. The big man is thinking about starting some stationary shooting this week, and although he knows a return against the Spurs is out of the question, he’s holding out hope he could potentially return for the NBA Finals.
This would obviously be a moot point if Oklahoma City can’t get past San Antonio, but it’s not a surprise to hear Serge is eager to get back on the court.