OKLAHOMA CITY – The Thunder dominated Game 3 and are a win away from knotting up the Western Conference Finals with the San Antonio Spurs at 2 games a piece.
Kendrick Perkins said of OKC’s Game 4 mindset, “There’s no reason to be happy. The happy team always loses.”
Offensively in Game 3, the Thunder re-inserted themselves in the series with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka and Reggie Jackson all finishing in double figures.
Defense will again be key in Game 4 which Perkins said is “a must win.”
The Thunder outrebounded the Spurs 52-36, while holding Danny Green to 3 of 12 shooting (8 points) and Tony Parker to 9 points (4 of 13 shooting).
Serge Ibaka provided an emotional lift as well as a lift in the paint in the third game.
San Antonio scored 44 points in the paint, which is their lowest output this series.
Ibaka expects to go for Game 4 tonight continuing to play through pain in that injured left calf.
Game 4 tips at 8 p.m. at The Peake.