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Thunder F Serge Ibaka will start tonight’s Game 3 vs Spurs

By Mike Dyce

May 11, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) reacts in the fourth quarter in game four of the second round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Thunder 101-99 to tie the series 2-2.Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) reacts in the fourth quarter in game four of the second round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Thunder 101-99 to tie the series 2-2.Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Basketball fans everywhere have been waiting to hear the news regarding Oklahoma City Thunder Serge Ibaka and his injured calf, would he play in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs or would he sit out?

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    • This morning at the shootaround Ibaka said it would ultimately be his decision to play or not.

    “If I feel better later, I’m going to go,” Ibaka said, via Royce Young of Daily Thunder. “It is my decision. At this point it is my decision more than coach or the doctor. So it is my decision.”

    Ibaka initially said he wouldn’t be able to play in the conference finals, according to a post on his blog. Then two days later it was reported that his condition “rapidly progressed,” restoring hope that he’d be able to play. Ibaka did say that if he plays it will be painful, adding that he is a “tough guy.”

    Late on Sunday it was announced that Ibaka would start Game Three against the Spurs. Ibaka certainly has to be less than 100 percent, so how much playing time he sees is up in the air.

    It likely won’t be anything compared to the more than 30 minutes a game he was playing throughout the playoffs yet.

    Thunder head coach Scott Brooks might want to use Ibaka in certain situations and in a limited role to contribute as much as he is capable of without over exerting him.

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