Ranking the 5 best games of Russell Westbrook's career

SAN ANTONIO — The Western Meeting finals have mainly been what one particular can have envisioned from the groups with the two best data while in the N.B.A. this period. The collection among the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder has become rife with plot twists, temper swings and accusations of subterfuge.

It has been a powerful matchup in every way but 1: Since the sequence heads to some sixth and maybe decisive recreation Saturday evening in Oklahoma City, there has not been a detailed game.

In an N.B.A. postseason which includes showcased limited, back-and-forth video games with thrilling finishes, this series has experienced no these drama at the top.

San Antonio has won its 3 household video games by 17, 35 and 28 points. Oklahoma City has won its home online games by nine and 13, but These variances have been cosmetic; the Thunder held next-fifty percent qualified prospects of twenty and 27 in All those game titles.

“It’s the craziest collection I’ve ever been linked to,” claimed Spurs Middle Tim Duncan, who has performed in 228 postseason games.

Asked if he could make clear why the games had been so lopsided, Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich reported: “No, there’s no way. I don't have any clue, Actually.”

Following listing the characteristics that the winning teams had displayed, Popovich added: “Definitely, it seems like the home court docket motivates both equally groups pretty well. To make sure that’s why we’ve opted not to visit OKC.”

That remark drew chuckles. But appealing moments haven't been limited to Popovich’s information conferences.

The series started with skepticism from the Spurs that Serge Ibaka, the Thunder’s shot-blocking forward, would probably miss the remainder of the playoffs using a calf injuries. Oklahoma Metropolis Typical Manager Sam Presti, who employed to operate for Popovich, manufactured the pessimistic evaluation of Ibaka following the Thunder dispatched the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2nd round.

“I don’t really consider it,” Spurs guard Tony Parker explained In the beginning in the sequence.

That suspicion proved prescient when Ibaka stated that the power of prayer — coupled with round-the-clock therapy from his sister and from his girlfriend, the singer Keri Hilson — had healed his injuries ample for him to Perform if the series moved to Oklahoma City after the Spurs’ lopsided wins in Game titles one and a couple of.

Ibaka’s inspiring effectiveness paved the Thunder’s way back again into your collection, underscoring his great importance towards a crew such as the Spurs as a result of his ability to block or change countless pictures around the basket.

Ibaka’s impact available validation of Presti’s normally pilloried final decision to jettison James Harden, a unprecedented offensive expertise, just prior to the begin of final year since the Thunder were being unwilling to go into luxury tax territory to maintain both Harden and Ibaka. Ibaka’s value experienced by no means been emphasized greater than in the very first four online games in the series — two with him and two devoid of.

Right after Ibaka’s return and Mentor Scott Brooks’s choice to begin Reggie Jackson, a in some cases dynamic offensive participant, fueled Oklahoma City’s resurgence, it had been Popovich’s turn to tinker together with his lineup in Sport 5.

The Thunder envisioned Boris Diaw to exchange Tiago Splitter, providing the Spurs an outside shooter to match up with Ibaka so he might be drawn far from the basket. Instead, the Thunder acquired about 15 minutes in advance of tip-off that Matt Bonner, who is a lot more a cult determine than a important contributor, would start out. Bonner didn't score, but he stored Ibaka far from Russell Westbrook the rim and enabled Diaw to Participate in superbly in his standard part off the bench.

The momentum swings could also be read through during the demeanors of the groups’ ideal gamers — Duncan with scarce shows of disappointment in Activity four, Kevin Durant barking at fans and Russell Westbrook casting difficult glances at his teammates in Sport 5.

Now, the hard concerns — plus the seek out the correct changes — change back again on the Thunder, who rebounded from the three-2 collection deficit to beat the Memphis Grizzlies in a primary-round collection.

If the Thunder are struggling to get to the finals, speculation will start anew that Durant, the freshly crowned league most beneficial player, will seem elsewhere when his contract expires in the summertime of 2016.

But which is quite a while off. As for this postseason, It appears a very long time ago that Memphis and Oklahoma Town performed in 4 consecutive extra time game titles, plus the Thunder plus the Clippers took turns staging scintillating comebacks. Even the Spurs performed some thrillers towards the Dallas Mavericks, with 5 of your groups’ 7 game titles made the decision by six factors or much less.

Now, as this series turns toward its summary, the drama will surely be heightened. There is certain for being a lot more intrigue and tension, and a few of it might even come about at the end of a match.