Durant, Ibaka-powered Thunder Top Spurs in Game 4
2012 NBA Playoffs
Oklahoma City, OK
Kevin Durant tallied 36 points and Serge Ibaka recorded a career-high 26 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder survived a big fourth quarter surge from the San Antonio Spurs, 109-103, to even up their Western Conference finals series at 2-2 in Game 4 at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
The Thunder moved closer to their first NBA Finals appearance in franchise history following another masterful victory at home.
Durant led the Thunder's offense, going 13-for-20 from the field and a perfect 9-for-9 from the free-throw line. The reigning NBA scoring champions also dished out 8 dimes and 6 assists in 43 minutes of action.
But it was the outstanding play of Ibaka on both ends of the court that played a crucial role in the Thunder's pivotal Game 4 win.
Ibaka dominated the aging Spurs frontline, shooting 11-for-11 from the field and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. The Congo native also recorded five boards and swatted 3 shots in a breakthrough performance.
Coming off a 102-82 blowout win in Game 3, the Thunder engaged in another competitive first 12 minutes with the Spurs as both teams exchanged rallies and ended the period tied at 26-26.
However, the Thunder once again came up with another strong second quarter as Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins made the defense pay by hitting open midrange jumpshots and uncontested baskets.
Ibaka and Perkins combined for 27 points in the first half as the Thunder took a 55-43 advantage at the break.
With their backs against the wall, the Spurs responded with a more organized offense and solid defense in the second half.
Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan also started to find their strokes in the third quarter while Tony Parker continued to struggle. Still, The Spurs trimmed the deficit to 75-71 heading into the final quarter.
As expected, the Spurs and Thunder went at each other in the final quarter and traded clutch shots after clutch shots down the wire.
Duncan pulled the Spurs within four, 86-82, after making a tough driving jump shot with 6:54 left before Durant showcased a shooting clinic for all the ages.
But Durant knocked down jumpers with ease in scoring 16 straight points and more importantly putting the Spurs at bay for good.
Duncan finished with team-high 21 points and rookie forward Kawhi Leonard added 17 as the series heads back to San Antonio for Game 5.
Durant, Ibaka-powered Thunder Top Spurs in Game 4
Spurs sputter in Game 4
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