Western Conference Finals 2014, Gregg Popovich on Serge Ibaka: ‘We knew he’d be back’
Just before the 2014 Western Conference Finals began, it was announced that Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka would be out for the rest of the postseason because of a calf injury.
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There were many that believe Ibaka would find his way back to the court, but the Thunder, especially head coach Scott Brooks, maintained he was out for the postseason.
Now, according to reports, Ibaka could in fact return and is being listed as day-to-day.
The Spurs, however, were expecting this news. Dan McCarney of The San Antonio Express News has the scoop.
Pop on Ibaka news: "Shocked. I'm so surprised. Like I told you from the beginning, I know Sammy. We knew he'd be back. And that's good."
— Dan McCarney (@danmccarneyNBA) May 23, 2014
More Pop on Ibaka: "Nobody would wish it on anybody to miss the playoffs. So if he gets back in, and I'm sure he will, I think it's great."
— Dan McCarney (@danmccarneyNBA) May 23, 2014
And still more, if Spurs prep is impacted: "No. It gives them another hell of a player. But we are who we are. We can't change what we do."
— Dan McCarney (@danmccarneyNBA) May 23, 2014
Ibaka averaged 15.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game this season. In four games against the Spurs this season, he put up 14.0 points, 11.5 rebounds and 4.0 blocks per game.