Slideshow: Spurs vs. Thunder Game 5

The Thunder beat the Spurs 108-103 to take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference finals.

– photos by Jerry Lara and Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News

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Spurs vs. Thunder Game 5


San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) helps up San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) reacts near San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) reacts after being fouled and hitting a three point basket near Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) walks off the court after the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) shoots a three point basket during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. Ginobili missed the shot to tie the game. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) shoots a three point basket during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) hits a three point basket over San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) and San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) walk on the court near the end of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) on the bench near the end of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


The San Antonio Spurs tip off against The Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kevin Martin / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) walks down the court during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-106. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) motions after hitting a three point basket giving the Thunder 108 points during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) and San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) walk off the court after the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) holds a towel over his head near the end of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) walks on the court during team introductions before the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nick Collison (4) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) goes to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nick Collison (4) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) talks to Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) near Oklahoma City Thunder’s Thabo Sefolosha (2) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) guards Oklahoma City Thunder’s Thabo Sefolosha (2) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) talks to official Tom Washington as Oklahoma City Thunder’s Thabo Sefolosha (2) and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) listen during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich gestures during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) reacts after being called for a foul during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) goes to the basket over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nick Collison (4), drawing a charge call, during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks gestures during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nick Collison (4) fight for control of the ball during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) smiles during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks talks to Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich yells during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) points after scoring a basket during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) reacts after being called for a charging foul during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) shoots against San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) shoots against San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) and San Antonio Spurs’ Boris Diaw (33) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) shoots against San Antonio Spurs’ Danny Green (4) and San Antonio Spurs’ DeJuan Blair (45) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Thabo Sefolosha (2) is guarded by San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) and San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) gestures after making a basket during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich yells during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Daequan Cook (14) shoots the ball during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) yells near San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) after being fouled during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nick Collison (4) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) passes the ball over San Antonio Spurs’ Boris Diaw (33) and San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) and Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) goes to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Thabo Sefolosha (2) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) strips the ball from San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) near Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) reacts after teammate Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) was fouled during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) fouls San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) shoots a three point basket during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) sits on the bench during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Gary Neal (14) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nick Collison (4) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) draws a charging call against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nick Collison (4) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) drives against San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Thabo Sefolosha (2) helps up Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) with Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) watching during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) drives against San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) drives against San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) passes around San Antonio Spurs’ Tiago Splitter (22) and San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) is pressured by San Antonio Spurs’ Tiago Splitter (22) and San Antonio Spurs’ Gary Neal (14) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) shoots over San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) shoots over San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Thabo Sefolosha (2) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) high fives Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) dribbles between San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) and San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) gestures after fouling Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) greets Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich talks to San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) reacts near San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) dribbles near San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) walks towards the benech during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) lays in the ball during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) goes to the basket during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (San Antonio Express-News)


San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) goes to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) shoots against San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (San Antonio Express-News)


Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks hugs Wanda Pratt, Kevin Durant’s mother, after game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (San Antonio Express-News)

  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 2057
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 2212
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 1896
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 1861
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 1857
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 1837
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 1987
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 2172
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 1926
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 2133
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 1936
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 1943
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 1303
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KM 0034
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 2106
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 2140
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 2133
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 0040
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 0063
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 0068
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 0088
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 0205
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 0213
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 0280
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  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 0910
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  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 0933
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 0902
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 1033
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 0021
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 0075
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 0090
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 0109
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 0116
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 0343
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 0379
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 0418
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  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 0593
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 0629
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 0673
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 0814
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 0842
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 0997
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 0252
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 1201
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  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 1322
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 1545
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 1167
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 1219
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 1564
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  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 1733
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 1768
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 1258
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 1262
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 1448
  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 1297
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  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 1509
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  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 1548
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  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER KMH 2267
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  • GM 5 SPURS THUNDER JL 1871

Thabo’s TV commercial: Would a Thunder phenom convince you to buy a new car?

It’s fashionable among many of the NBA cognescenti to knock small-market franchises for the lack of endorsements that are available in the league’s largest cities.

But Oklahoma City guard Thabo Sefolosha is the beneficiary of playing for the Thunder. Much like Gary Neal and Tiago Splitter, Sefolosha is the face of a auto dealership commercial that is receiving huge local airtime during the playoffs.

During a survey of the four major commercial TV stations, I watched Sefolosha’s commercial five different times.

And I wondered why I should hog all of the fun of watching this commercial – particularly after Sefolosha’s huge performance in Game 3  when he produced a season-high 19 points, six steals, six rebounds and a suffocating defensive effort against Tony Parker.

And here, courtesy of You Tube.com, is one of Sefolosha’s commercials for Norman Dodge in the Oklahoma City area.

Enjoy.

Spurs notebook: Title, not streak, matters to Spurs

The Spurs’ reaction to the news they can make NBA history tonight with a win in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals can best be summed up in one word: Whatever.

With their 101-98 victory over the Thunder on Sunday, the Spurs claimed their 19th straight win, matching the 2001 Lakers for the longest winning streak in NBA history that includes regular season and playoff triumphs.

That Lakers team went on to capture a title, which is all the Spurs care about.

“If it doesn’t turn out the way we want it to turn out, with us winning the championship, nobody is going to talk about the streak or even care about the streak,” guard Gary Neal said Monday. “Maybe after we complete our goals people will talk about the streak.”

Said forward Stephen Jackson: “If we lose tomorrow, then all that goes down the drain. … What we’ve done up to this point doesn’t matter. We have to be ready to win Game 2.”

The Spurs’ streak includes 10 games to cap the regular season. It’s also the longest in team history and is tied with the 1999-2000 Lakers for the fourth-longest in NBA history. With a win tonight, the Spurs will become just the fourth team to win 20 or more in a row.

But winning the franchise’s fifth title, not etching their names in the record book, is what matters most to the Spurs.

“None,” guard Manu Ginobili said when asked if he and his teammates had any awareness of the historical aspects of their scintillating run.

“When we are asked, we remember we are on a great streak, but we really don’t care,” he added. “We are close — seven games away — from accomplishing something way bigger than a streak.

“So, if it is happening, it’s fine. But we always think about the next game and how tough it’s going to be. The things we’ve got to do are beat (the Thunder) and improve.”

Only two teams have a longer streak than the Spurs’ nine to start the postseason. The Lakers won their first 11 games during the 1989 and 2001 playoffs. Both those teams reached the Finals, but only the 2001 crew won the title.

Green-light Gary: Neal said he’s “living his dream” in the playoffs. A more accurate statement is he’s living his dream with a hot hand.

Over his last two playoff games, Neal is hitting 62.5 percent from the field, including 57.1 percent from 3-point territory, while averaging 13 points. He scored seven of his 12 points in Game 1 in the fourth quarter on 3-of-4 shooting from the field. His biggest bucket was a 3-pointer to cap an 18-3 run.

Neal said his comfort with playoff basketball has a lot to do with Gregg Popovich.

“Coach Pop has given me the green light to come into the game and be aggressive,” Neal said. “When you have that kind of green light, you don’t really have a choice but to play with confidence.”

torsborn@express-news.net