2012 NBA Playoffs

Oklahoma, OK

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook combined for 32 points and the outstanding play of reserves fueled the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 102-82 victory over the San Antonio Spurs Thursday in Game 3 of their Western Conference Finals at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Coming off painful loses in Game 1 and 2, the Thunder salvaged a victory against the seasoned Spurs as they gained unexpected help from the other starters.

Thunder superstars continued to struggle from the field with Durant scoring a team-high 22 points (8-for-17 shooting) and Westbrook recording 10 points (5-for-15 shooting), 9 dimes and 7 boards in 33 minutes of play.

Serge Ibaka finally came alive on the offensive end with 14 points while Thabo Sefolosha scored 19 points after averaging just 4 points throughout the playoffs.

After a tight knit contest in the first period, the Thunder found their way to the rack as they exploded for 32 points in the second quarter.

The Thunder kept on attacking the Spurs suddenly shaky defense in the second half and Gregg Popovich seemed clueless in stopping such offense for the first time in this year's playoffs.

Tony Parker and Stephen Jackson each scored 16 points but Manu Ginobili (8 points on 1-for-5 shooting) and Tim Duncan (11 points on 5-for-15 shooting) couldn't find their mark in the game.

The Thunder shot .455 percent from the field and mauled the Spurs to just .395 percent shooting on the floor and forced them to commit 21 turnovers.

Oklahoma also ended San Antonio's immaculate record in the playoff along with their 20-game winning streak.

The Thunder will try to stay perfect at home this postseason when they play the Spurs in Saturday's Game 4 at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

 

Hear from the Thunder after their Game 3 win

 

 

Ibaka, Sefolosha Star in Thunder's Game 3 Win Over Spurs