Adams stars as Thunder strike
Steven Adams helped Oklahoma City to a decisive 106-97 win over San Antonio in game three of the NBA’s Western Conference finals yesterday.
The 20-year-old New Zealand rookie played 28 minutes and contributed with seven points, nine rebounds and four blocks as the Thunder reduced the series deficit to 2-1.
San Antonio had thrashed the Thunder in the first two games but Serge Ibaka’s return from injury proved inspirational.
The power forward missed the first two games with a calf strain, and had previously been ruled out for the rest of the playoffs.
But Ibaka had 15 points, seven rebounds and four blocks and, along with Adams, provided some badly needed defensive steel.
Barely able to walk just days ago, the Republic of Congo-born big man left the Chesapeake Energy Arena court to a standing ovation.
‘‘That’s everything you want in a teammate,’’ Thunder forward and league MVP Kevin Durant said.
‘‘I gained so much more respect for Serge for sacrificing himself for the team.
‘‘Regardless of what happened tonight, that’s something you want beside you.’’
Adams again looked comfortable throughout, apart from at the free throw line where he netted just three of seven attempts.
The Kiwi again proved more effective than starting centre Kendrick Perkins, who was plagued by foul problems.
While the Spurs hold home advantage and are still strong favourites to claim the best-of-seven series, Ibaka’s return has set up a fascinating game four in Oklahoma City tomorrow.
Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook had a mixed shooting night but still led all scorers with 26 points, while Durant chimed in with 25.
Manu Ginobili led the Spurs with 23 but the Argentine veteran was shut down in the second half by a swarming Thunder defence.
‘‘Serge gave us a big lift, not only on the defensive end but the offensive end,’’ said Thunder coach Scott Brooks.
‘‘We obviously missed him the last two games but that’s part of sport. You have to deal with the injuries. We bounced back tonight.’’
Durant (10 rebounds) and an aggressive, hustling Adams helped the Thunder to a 52-36 rebounding advantage.
‘‘I was very disappointed that we didn’t come out with more of a foot on the neck sort of attitude,’’ said San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich. ‘‘They killed us on the boards, they beat us in 50-50 balls and that’s very disappointing to me.’’
The winner of the series advances to the NBA Finals against either the Miami Heat or Indiana Pacers.
Defending champions Miami lead Eastern Conference finals 2-1.
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