The Oklahoma City Thunder have dug themselves a sizable hole in the 2014 NBA Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. Down two games to none, the Thunder now have the opportunity to draw even with strong play at home in Game 3 and could get the extra push that’s been missing in the series thus far.
Thunder forward Serge Ibaka, who has been out the entire series with a strained left calf, participated in the team shootaround early on Sunday and is expected to play on Sunday night in Game 3. Find out if Ibaka’s presence helps shift the tide when we watch Thunder vs Spurs online free live streaming Game 3 on TNT tonight.
In speaking with reporters after the shootaround on Sunday, Ibaka was adamant in proclaiming that whether he plays or not is his decision and his alone. “It is my decision. At this point, it is my decision more than Coach [Scott Brooks] or the doctor. So it is my decision,” Ibaka told ESPN. Though he was initially considered a game-time decision, the word has come down that Ibaka will indeed start tonight.
Ibaka’s absence has hurt the Thunder immensely in the first two games of the series. The Spurs and Tim Duncan especially have been able to score inside at will, with Parker able to penetrate and dish for open threes as well. With an average loss of 26 points in the first two games, Ibaka’s return and his NBA-leading shot blocking skill can only help the reeling Thunder at this point and take pressure off Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
Even if Ibaka can dominate the paint, the Spurs — especially Parker and Manu Ginobili — have been winding their way through the paint and dishing to wide-open perimeter shooters. The Spurs are 18 of 40 or nearly 50 percent shooting from beyond the arc in the first two games, and that simply cannot happen tonight if the Thunder want any chance of the final score being in their favor.
Here is the vital information you need to watch the Spurs Thunder Game 3 live online free streaming or on TNT live TV tonight.
Start Time: 8:30pm EST / 5:30pm PST
Location: Chesapeake Energy Arena, OKC
Where to Watch on TV: TNT
Live Stream: TNT.com Overtime
Final Score Prediction: Spurs 95, Thunder 102
