In The News | SAN ANTONIO SPURS TICKETS

Durant hasn’t changed since becoming NBA superstar

By Mike Monroe

OKLAHOMA CITY — You would need a hypodermic needle filled with truth serum to get Thunder general manager Sam Presti to reveal which player was No. 1 on his draft board on June 28, 2007.

On the job for just three weeks as general manager of the Seattle SuperSonics on that franchise-turning draft night, Presti had the No. 2 pick in a class with two potential Hall of Famers: Texas forward Kevin Durant and Ohio State center Greg Oden.

Oden was a 7-foot, 250-pound mix of power and size some believed capable of dominating the NBA paint for years.

Durant was the best pure player in the draft, the college player of the year with an All-American personality to match his game.

Ask Presti which player he would have taken had he been in the shoes of then-Portland general manager Kevin Pritchard, whose team had first choice, and he dances around the answer as if he were Fred Astaire.

“I don’t answer hypotheticals,” Presti said. “But there were two players in that draft, and we were happy to have one of the two.”

When it comes to choosing between players whose talents and potential are deemed equal, size typically rules. After all, a pair of 7-footers, Hakeem Olajuwon and Sam Bowie, were selected ahead of Michael Jordan in the 1984 draft. Jordan’s six championships with the Bulls argue strongly that size alone shouldn’t trump transcendent skill.

Presti’s very first draft-night decision as a GM was made for him when the Trail Blazers chose Oden. But read between the lines of his elaboration on the hypothetical and there is inference, however slight, he would have chosen Durant if he held the No. 1 pick.

“Having been in San Antonio, in such close proximity to Austin and having relationships with the coaches at Texas, I was thrilled to have an opportunity to add Kevin to our organization because he personifies so many of the values we want our franchise to be identified with: humility, hard work, character, team focus and great citizenship,” Presti said. “We’re very fortunate to have him as a player. We’re more fortunate to have him as a person.”

The person who seemed too good to be true in 2007 hasn’t changed. Durant remains the humble, team-oriented superstar who insisted a national basketball magazine include the entire Longhorns starting lineup on its cover before he would agree to pose for the photograph.

When he trotted to the sidelines to give his mom a kiss during a stoppage of play in the final minute of the Thunder’s closeout victory over the Lakers last week, Durant endeared himself to anyone able to see the televised sincerity of his affection.

“The biggest compliment I can pay Kevin is that his development as a player has changed, almost by the month, since I’ve known him,” Presti said. “But the person I met in 2007 is the same.”

NO CEILING

Durant averaged 28.03 points per game this season, becoming the first player since Jordan to lead the league in scoring for three consecutive seasons.

At age 23, it also made him the youngest to do so, and there is little reason to believe he won’t have a chance to match the league record of seven consecutive titles shared by Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain.

But Durant values a championship more than scoring titles and there is evidence of this in his performance in this season’s first two playoff rounds: He doesn’t even care if he leads his team in scoring so long as it wins. In his team’s first-round sweep of the Mavericks, Durant averaged 27.0 points but led the team in scoring just once. In the second-round elimination of the Lakers, he averaged 26.8 points but led the team only twice.

Guard Russell Westbrook has been the Thunder’s top scorer five times in nine playoff games so far — James Harden in one — and the Thunder have proven more difficult to defend when this happens. A year ago, he was his team’s high scorer in three of five games in the Western finals against Dallas and the Mavericks won four of those.

Does that Western finals failure mean a breakthrough against the Spurs is imperative?

“I can’t worry about myself or my legacy,” Durant said. “I’ve always been intrigued on how we do as a team and how we press forward as a team. At the end of the day, when I’m done playing, what’s going to be looked at is what the Oklahoma City Thunder team did that year.

“I know it’s going to be a tough matchup. I really respect the Spurs. We looked up to those guys when we were in the lottery my first two years. We wanted to kind of mold ourselves after them. But it’s time for us to go ahead and try to compete with these guys and make it a series. That’s what it’s about: Come out there and try to win every game.”

SIMILAR PATH

After spending seven years with the Spurs, Presti knows Durant shares traits with Tim Duncan, the Spurs’ captain, two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and three-time Finals MVP.

“It’s hard to compare people, obviously,” Presti said. “But Kevin has helped to establish the standard by which we live on a day-to-day basis here. He has a genuine appreciation for the work and craft itself. He has a humility and respect for the profession. And he is someone that is also a great representative of the community, not only the organization.”

Duncan has done that for the Spurs for 15 seasons. Durant is flattered at the suggestion his career might follow the same arc in Oklahoma.

“If I could pattern my career after Tim Duncan’s, every step?” he said. “Four rings? Labeled as the best power forward ever? Play for one of the best coaches to ever coach? Play in a great city? Of course I would.

“Hopefully, my story is planned out like that. Of course, I want to aim a little higher, but I will just take it a day at a time. You never know what will happen. But I love to be here and would love to fight for a championship every single year.”

mikemonroe@express-news.net

SPECIAL TALENT

Five years ago, Kevin Durant decided that playing basketball for one year at the University of Texas would be enough. He was ready to take his talents to the NBA.

Five years later, no one doubts that decision. Three years ago, he became the youngest (21) to win a scoring title in what would have been his junior year at UT.

This season, he won that scoring crown for the third straight time.

A look some of Durant’s numbers:

1 – 2007-08 NBA Rookie of the Year

1 – 2012 NBA All-Star Game MVP

3 – All-Star Game appearances

25 – 30-plus point games this season, including four 40-plus point nights and a 51-point outing against Denver

26.0 – Career scoring average against the Spurs in 17 games (Spurs are 12-5 in those meetings)

26.3 – Career scoring average, which includes NBA-best 30.1, 27.7 and 28.0 the past three seasons

27.4 – Career playoff scoring average in 32 games, including 26.7 this postseason

49.6 – Career-best shooting percentage this season

9,978 – Career points total, just 136 shy of what the Spurs’ Manu Ginobili has in 10 seasons

– Douglas Pils

Offensive adjustments not foreign for Spurs

By Jeff McDonald

OKLAHOMA CITY — A Swiss, a Frenchman, a Congolese and an Argentine all walk onto a basketball court.

What sounds like the setup to a bad joke was actually the defensive recipe Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks used to get his team back into the Western Conference finals.

With off-guard Thabo Sefolosha blanketing Tony Parker, and with power forward Serge Ibaka flummoxing Manu Ginobili on most every pick-and-roll, the Spurs’ juggernaut of an offense looked downright mortal in a 102-82 loss in Game 3 on Thursday.

“They brought it,” said Ginobili, whose team had a franchise-best 20-game winning streak stopped. “They got us on our heels. Now we know how it’s going to be.”

Still up 2-1 in the series, how the Spurs respond in Game 4 tonight at Chesapeake Energy Arena will go a long way toward determining how much longer this thing plays out.

First order of business: Solving the Thunder’s International House of Defense.

Sefolosha, a 28-year-old from Switzerland, is 6-foot-7. His combination of length and quickness made it difficult for Parker to scoot around him.

After averaging 26 points in Games 1 and 2, Parker managed 16 in Game 3 and committed five of the Spurs’ 21 turnovers.

Parker, who had been guarded in the first two games mostly by Russell Westbrook, was not exactly surprised by the change.

“It’s not the first time,” Parker said. “They did it before in the past. I have to keep being aggressive and choosing my spots.”

Of greater significance, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said, was Brooks’ other major adjustment.

The call to switch most every pick-and-roll often left Ibaka, the NBA’s top shot-blocker at 6-foot-9, paired with Ginobili on the perimeter. The 22-year-old Republic of Congo native handled the assignment well, keeping Ginobili out of the paint and unable to throw the pick-and-roll passes he prefers.

Ginobili went 1 for 5 from the field and added four turnovers to the Spurs’ tally. His counter in Game 4 is simple.

“Attack better,” Ginobili said. “When they collapse the paint, try to find the open teammate. Basic basketball. It’s not something Xs and Os wise. I’ve got to be sharper, more decisive. The spacing’s got to be better.”

With their trademark pick-and-roll effectively sabotaged, the Spurs struggled to keep up with OKC on the scoreboard.

After seemingly getting any shot they wanted in Games 1 and 2, the Spurs were forced into more one-on-one isolation plays in Game 3 than they would have liked.

The ball movement that was the staple of the Spurs’ winning streak disappeared. The offense stagnated.

During their streak, the Spurs averaged better than 109 points per game. The 82 they mustered Thursday were their fewest in the postseason since a 101-81 loss at Dallas in the 2010 first round.

“Our pick-and-roll defense was very good against probably the best pick-and-roll offense,” Brooks said. “We did a good job of getting into the ball, did a good job of being up into the ball with our bigs. That was the key.”

In addition to pouring in an uncharacteristic 19 points, Sefolosha snagged six steals — most in the playoffs against the Spurs in 11 years.

Oklahoma City logged 14 steals in all, scored 20 of their points off Spurs miscues and seemed to deflect even the most routine passes.

Given the overwhelming success the Thunder defense enjoyed in Game 3, the Spurs can expect a similar switch-everything approach tonight.

“We have to use the mismatches we get from that to our advantage,” said Tim Duncan, who is 13 of 41 so far in the series. “Tony and Manu will be expecting those kind of switches, and they have to attack them in a different way.”

If the Spurs can figure out a new plan for dealing with OKC’s defensive alterations, they have an excellent chance of bringing a 3-1 lead home with them.

And if they can’t? The punchline that follows won’t seem so funny.

jmcdonald@express-news.net
Twitter: @JMcDonald_SAEN

SPURS VS. THUNDER
Western Conference finals
(Spurs lead best-of-7 series 2-1)

Game 1:

Game 2:

Game 3:

Game 4: Saturday – Spurs @ Thunder, 7:30 p.m. TNT

Game 5: Monday – Spurs vs. Thunder, 8:00 p.m. TNT

*Game 6: Wednesday – Spurs @ Thunder, 8:00 p.m. TNT

*Game 7: Friday – Spurs vs. Thunder, 8:00 p.m. TNT

– All times Central
*If necessary

Thunderous rally spoils Spurs’ dream

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Spurs vs. Thunder Game 6

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) dunks over San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) and San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Kevin Martin / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) tips off against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Kevin Martin / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a dunk during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Kevin Martin / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich talks to San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) before the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) shoots near San Antonio Spurs’ Boris Diaw (33) during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) shoots in front of Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) drives around Oklahoma City Thunder’s Thabo Sefolosha (2) during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) goes to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Thabo Sefolosha (2) during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) after making a basket during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) drives past Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) drives against San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) and San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9), Tim Duncan (21), Boris Diaw (33), Kawhi Leonard (2) and Manu Ginobili (20) check in before the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) talks to San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) before the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) shoots during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) dunks against San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after dunking during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) shoots over San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) drives against San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 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 six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) blocks a shot by San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) claps after making a basket during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) in a huddle with San Antonio Spurs’ Boris Diaw (33) and San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Gary Neal (14) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) and Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) looks up during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Gary Neal (14) shoots during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) guards Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) checks on San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) shoots the ball during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) falls over San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) drives against San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) shoots against San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) smiles after making a three point basket during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) dunks on San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) and San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Thabo Sefolosha (2) during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) passes around Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nick Collison (4) during the first half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) is guarded by San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) and San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) reacts after a play near San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich talks to San Antonio Spurs’ Tiago Splitter (22) during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) claps during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) points after scoring during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) goes to the basket against San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) reacts after being call for a foul during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) applauds after a call during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) pulls down a rebound the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) shoots a three point basket during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) drives around Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) shoots against San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) and San Antonio Spurs’ Boris Diaw (33) Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich gestures during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) reacts during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) points to his chest during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) passes around San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

The Oklahoma City Thunder huddle during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) puts up a shot against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) collides with San Antonio Spurs’ Gary Neal (14) during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) reacts after being called for an offensive foul during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) reacts after hitting a three point basket during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) greets his mother, Wanda Pratt, after the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Thunder won 107-99. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Thunder’s Kevin Durant raises the Western Conference Champion trophy while the rest of the team celebrates in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Thunder won 107-99. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ DeJuan Blair (45) and the rest of the Spurs bench during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Thunder won 107-99. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich motions during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Thunder won 107-99. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) has his shot blocked by Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Thunder won 107-99. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) embraces Wanda Pratt, the mother of Kevin Durant, after the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Thunder won 107-99. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) looks on near the end of the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Thunder won 107-99. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs’ Tim Duncan solemnly walks up court in the closing moments of Game 6 against the Oklahoma Thunder during the second half of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Thunder won 107-99. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) walks back to the bench in the closing moments of the second half against the Oklahoma Thunder of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Thunder won 107-99. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich answers questions from the media after game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Thunder won 107-99. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Thunder’s Kevin Durant gestures in the closing moments of the second half against the Spurs during game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Thunder won 107-99. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs’ Tim Duncan (left) gives a hug to Thunder’s Kevin Durant in the closing moments of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Thunder won 107-99. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

Spurs’ Tony Parker (right) hugs Thunder’s James Harden after the Thunder defeated the Spurs in game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Thunder won 107-99. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) shoots a three point basket during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Thunder won 107-99. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Derek Fisher (37) shoots over San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) and San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Thunder won 107-99. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) huddles with teammates during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Thunder won 107-99. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) points near the end of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Thunder won 107-99. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) dunks over San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Thunder won 107-99. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) hugs Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) and San Antonio Spurs’ Boris Diaw (33) hugs Oklahoma City Thunder’s Derek Fisher (37) after game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Thunder won 107-99. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) hugs Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) after game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Thunder won 107-99. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) walks off the court after game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Thunder won 107-99. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) walks down the court during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Thunder won 107-99. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) before answering questions from the media after game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Thunder won 107-99. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) answers questions from the media after game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Thunder won 107-99. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) shoots the ball during the second half of game six of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Thunder won 107-99. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

By Jeff McDonald

OKLAHOMA CITY — The final horn sounded on a disappointing end to an unexpected season, and Tim Duncan began scanning the floor of Chesapeake Energy Arena, a man still on a mission.

The vanquished Spurs forward gave a laudatory hug to every Oklahoma City player he could find, to Thunder coach Scott Brooks, to half the coaching staff.

OKC had just banked a come-from-behind 107-99 victory in Game 6 of the Western Conference finals Wednesday, closing out the Spurs to punch its ahead-of-schedule ticket to the NBA Finals.

Congratulations complete, Duncan began the long, slow walk toward the losing locker room and into a future more uncertain.

“I thought this was definitely our time, our time to get back to the Finals, our time to push for another championship,” Duncan said later in a quiet dressing room.

“That was our singular goal, and obviously it ends here.”

For the young and still-rising Thunder, it is only the beginning.

Kevin Durant poured in 34 points to go with 14 rebounds, Russell Westbrook added 25 while Spurs killers new (James Harden) and old (Derek Fisher) hit big 3-pointers down the stretch, lifting the OKC franchise to its first NBA Finals since 1996, when it was based in Seattle.

To get here, all the Thunder had to do was get through Dallas, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Spurs, winners of 10 of the past 13 NBA titles.

“As sad and as disappointed as we are,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said, “it’s like a Hollywood script for Oklahoma City.”

In the span of seven days, the Spurs’ 20-game winning streak gave way to a playoff ouster, and Game 6 was a microcosm of that.

The Spurs led by 18 in the first quarter, putting together the kind of first half that had to have Popovich wondering why he didn’t see more like it earlier.

Tony Parker was whizzing en route to 21 points and 10 assists in the first half, Stephen Jackson was doing unspeakable things to pressure, hitting 4 of 4 from 3-point range, and the Spurs were playing with the energy of a team unprepared for the ride to end.

For the Spurs, who became the first team in NBA history to win its first 10 playoff games and not make the Finals, the first half was a final gasp.

After his hot start, Parker finished with 29 points and 12 assists. Duncan went out hard with 25 points and 14 rebounds. The pressure-loving Jackson ended with 23 points and made 6 of 7 on 3-pointers.

An 11-2 run to start the second half got the Thunder back in the game, igniting a 32-18 quarter that doomed the Spurs.

“We changed our body language, our spirit (after halftime),” Brooks said. “We weren’t going to win the game playing the same way.”

Still, the Spurs were ahead by a point heading into the fourth and still had a winnable game on their hands.

One key swing: Manu Ginobili was called for a charge with 5:52 left, negating a Kawhi Leonard 3-pointer that could have pulled the Spurs within 91-90.

There would be more chances to come for the Spurs, but OKC had all the answers.

Duncan had just pulled the Spurs within two points a minute later when Fisher buried a 3-pointer to increase the OKC lead again. After Parker responded with a floater, Harden hit another.

And so it went for the Spurs, who after taking a 2-0 series lead became collateral damage to OKC’s charge to destiny.

For the fifth consecutive season, the Spurs end with a locker cleanout in lieu of a river parade, the longest title drought of Duncan’s career.

“Everybody wants to be the last team standing,” Popovich said. “I thought this team did everything it could possibly do to go as far as it could.”

Duncan, 36, who will be a free agent July 1, is expected to re-sign with the only team he’s ever known. The Spurs, aging at the core but still among the West’s elite, will face an offseason of familiar questions.

There will be time to think about all of them later, as well as time to ponder the magic that even got the Spurs this far in the first place.

Wednesday, it was Oklahoma City’s time, and the Spurs were mere spectators to a coming-out party.

“I thought everybody gave all they could,” Duncan said. “OKC just showed they were a better team.”

jmcdonald@express-news.net
Twitter: @JMcDonald_SAEN

SPURS VS. THUNDER
Western Conference finals
(Thunder win best-of-7 series 4-2)

Game 1:

Game 2:

Game 3:

Game 4:

Game 5:

Game 6: