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Spurs vs. Thunder Game 4
San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) posts up against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Thabo Sefolosha (2) during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) jumps for the tip against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kevin Martin / San Antonio Express-News)
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) goes up for a basket against San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News)
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) shoots over San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)
Spurs fans Spencer Becker, left, and Chris Carey, both of Kansas City, stand next to another Spurs fan with a sign during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nick Collison (4) during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) shoots near Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) walks down the court during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) reacts to a call near official Ken Mauer during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich gestures during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) passes during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Thabo Sefolosha (2) points after a basket during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) and San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) react after a call during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)
Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) shoots the ball during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) has trouble controlling the ball near Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nick Collison (4) during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News)
Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) shoots against San Antonio Spurs’ Danny Green (4) and San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News)
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Thabo Sefolosha (2) dunks near San Antonio Spurs’ Boris Diaw (33) during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) reacts after possession was given to Oklahoma City during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News)
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) reacts after a basket during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) in between plays during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) signals after making a basket during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News)
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) dunks near San Antonio Spurs’ Matt Bonner (15) and San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a basket during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Tiago Splitter (22) is tangled up with Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nick Collison (4) during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) falls over photographers during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich looks on during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) stands with his team during the pre game ceremonies before the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News)
Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) goes to the basket against San Antonio Spurs’ Tiago Splitter (22) and San Antonio Spurs’ Danny Green (4) during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) dunks near San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / 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 four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News)
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after hitting a three point basket during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Edward A. Ornelas / 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 four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) during the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Danny Green (4) shoots around Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News)
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) points after scoring during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News)
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) high fives Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News)
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) holds out his jersey during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News)
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) reacts near San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) gestures in front of Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) draws a charging call while going for a basket against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nick Collison (4) during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) pulls his jersey out during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) lays the ball in during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Patty Mills, left, and San Antonio Spurs’ Danny Green (4) yell from the bench during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ DeJuan Blair (45) attempts a charge call against Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) and San Antonio Spurs’ DeJuan Blair (45) talk during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) blocks a shot by San Antonio Spurs’ DeJuan Blair (45) during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) draws a charge call on a play against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nick Collison (4) during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) reacts after being called for a charge during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)
Oklahoma City Thunder coach Scott Brooks gestures during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) loses control of the ball near Oklahoma City Thunder’s Derek Fisher (37) during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) runs past San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) after scoring during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) looks out from the huddle during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich talks to official Ed Malloy during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson wipes his face with a towel on the bench during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. The Thunder won 109-103. (San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich leaves the court after the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. The Thunder won 109-103. (San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) guards Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. The Thunder won 109-103. (San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich stands near San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. The Thunder won 109-103. (San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. The Thunder won 109-103. (San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) looks to pass over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. The Thunder won 109-103. (San Antonio Express-News)
Oklahoma City Thunder coach Scott Brooks talks to official Ken Mauer during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. The Thunder won 109-103. (San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3), San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) and San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) walk on the court during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. The Thunder won 109-103. (San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Gary Neal (14) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Derek Fisher (37) during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. The Thunder won 109-103. (San Antonio Express-News)
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) embraces Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) after game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. The Thunder won 109-103. (San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich leaves the court after the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. The Thunder won 109-103. (San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich talks to official Ken Mauer during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)
Spurs’ Manu Ginobili drives around Thunder’s Thabo Sefolosha during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)
Thunder’s Russell Westbrook celebrates with teammate Thunder’s Kevin Durant after he scored as Spurs’ Manu Ginobili and Spurs’ Stephen Jackson look on during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) passes around Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) during the second half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. The Thunder won 109-103. (San Antonio Express-News)
San Antonio Spurs’ Matt Bonner, left, signs an autograph for Spurs fan Judith Laird, right, as her son, Brennus, center, uses a camera phone before the first half of game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. The Lairds are from San Antonio. (San Antonio Express-News)
By Jeff McDonald
OKLAHOMA CITY — For the most part, the Spurs had weathered the greatest game of Serge Ibaka’s life. They had survived one of Kendrick Perkins’ better nights since Boston, if not Beaumont.
They had even learned to live with the occasional basket from Nick Collison.
It took until the fourth quarter Saturday, with Game 4 and the entire complexion of the Western Conference finals on the line, for Oklahoma City to pull out its secret weapon.
Kevin Durant. Remember him?
The NBA’s reigning scoring champ pumped in 16 consecutive points down the stretch, holding off a too-late Spurs’ rally for a 109-103 victory that evened the series at 2-2.
“The guy is 7-foot, with a feathery touch, he’s led the league in scoring for three years,” Spurs guard Gary Neal said. “When a guy like that gets going, you just have to hope he misses.”
Durant is only 6-9, but who’s measuring? The way Durant took over late at Chesapeake Energy Arena made him seem 8-foot and bulletproof.
He finished with 36 points, making 13 of 20 shots and saving the bulk of his work for the game’s final 6 1/2 minutes, after the Spurs had cut what had been a 15-point deficit to four.
Durant’s first basket of the quarter came on an impossible 16-foot pull-up while wearing the Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard as an undershirt.
His alley-oop lob from James Harden, with the foul on Stephen Jackson, gave OKC a 100-90 lead heading into the final 2:48.
“He was just rolling,” Jackson said. “And it was kind of too late to stop him.”
Before the fourth, the Spurs were burned by the surge of Ibaka, who made all 11 of his field goals, one shy of an NBA playoff record, en route to a career-high 26 points, adding a perfect (4-for-4) showing from the foul line.
Not renowned for his offense, Perkins nailed seven of his nine shots for 15 points to go with nine rebounds.
“Their bigs were the difference in the game,” said Tim Duncan, who had his best game of the series with 21 points and eight rebounds.
Together, Ibaka, Perkins and Collison formed an unlikely Big Three for OKC, combining to make 22 of 25.
“If you had a shooting drill with nobody guarding you, I don’t think you could do that,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said.
Durant had just four attempts during a first half spent involving the OKC big men.
The Thunder ended with 27 assists, playing the sharing kind of basketball the Spurs were famous for as recently as five days earlier.
When Ibaka hit his 10th field goal of the game with 5:31 left in the third, OKC led 68-53.
The Spurs came scratching back, behind big baskets from Duncan, Jackson (11 points) and Leonard (17). DeJuan Blair’s first meaningful minutes of the series, in the third quarter, sparked a 17-7 Spurs run.
With 6:13 to play, Leonard drove for a layup, leaving the Spurs behind 88-84.
“We were on a run,” said Manu Ginobili, who had 13 points. “We were feeling good.”
Enter Durant, OKC’s 23-year-old assassin.
By the time his five-minute flurry was done, Durant had the highest-scoring night of his postseason, and had added another line to his résumé as a game-closer.
“I just want to be calm and composed in those situations, and just make the right basketball play,” Durant said. “I try not to be nervous.”
As the series now returns to San Antonio for Game 5, with the Thunder having convinced themselves they can win it, it becomes the Spurs’ turn to fret.
Their second defeat in 52 days has transformed the Western Conference finals into a best-of-3 series in which the Spurs have home-court edge.
It’s going to take some toughness for the Spurs to stop OKC’s gathering momentum.
“They’re being the hit-first team,” Jackson said. “We’re just counterpunching.”
Jackson’s analysis also came with a bit of free advice for others in the locker room.
“If you’re scared, go to church,” Jackson said. “Tomorrow’s Sunday.”
Make no mistake. The Spurs are in for the toughest fight of their postseason now, needing two wins in three games against a Thunder team that believes.
Divine intervention couldn’t hurt.
jmcdonald@express-news.net
Twitter: @JMcDonald_SAEN
SPURS VS. THUNDER
Western Conference finals
(Best-of-7 series tied 2-2)
Game 1:
Game 2:
Game 3:
Game 4:
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
