NBA Playoffs 2014: Reggie Jackson to start over Thabo Sefolosha for Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3
By Chris Walder
In a move to inject more offense into the starting lineup to better assist the likes of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks has made the decision to go with Reggie Jackson over the struggling Thabo Sefolosha.
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Jackson is averaging 10.5 points on 10-of-18 shooting from the field in the first two games of the series, while Sefolosha has remained scoreless, including an 0-of-5 night in Game 2.
Sefolosha will come off the bench and play spot minutes for defensive purposes, but if his offensive struggles continue, he may be seen as more of a liability and remain on the pine the entire night. This is clearly a sign by Brooks that desperate times call for desperate measures.
Brooks also announced that Serge Ibaka, who missed the first two games of the series and was presumed to be out for the remainder of the NBA playoffs, will return and start for the Thunder. His minutes will be monitored as it’s still not clear as to whether he’s even close to 100 percent.
The San Antonio Spurs have a 2-0 lead in the series and will look to put a stranglehold on things on the road. They’re coming off a dominating 112-77 performance at the AT&T Center Wednesday night. Guard Tony Parker led all scorers with 22 points.
Game 3 takes place Sunday night at the Chesapeake Energy Arena at 8:30 p.m. ET.