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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:

Thunder 102, Spurs 82: Game 3

By Tim Griffin

OKLAHOMA CITY – Kevin Durant erupted for 22 points to lead Oklahoma City to a 102-82 victory over the Spurs in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals.

The loss snapped the Spurs’ 20-game winning streak which ended up as the fourth longest in NBA history. The Spurs’ last loss before Thursday came April 11 when the Los Angeles Lakers beat them in San Antonio.

A determined defensive effort and Durant’s fast start helped the Thunder pull within 2-1 in the best-of-seven series. Game 4 will be played Saturday night in Oklahoma City.

Thabo Sefolosha made the most of extending playing time to produce 19 points and six steals. Sefolosha played only 15 minutes in the Thunder’s Game 2 loss in San Antonio.

James Harden scored 15, Serge Ibaka added 14 and Russell Westbrook filled the scoresheet with 10 points, seven rebounds and nine assists.

Duncan notched five blocked shots to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most playoff rejections since the NBA started recording the statistic in 1973-74. Duncan has 478 plus. Abdul-Jabbar has 476.

With a 78-60 deficit heading into the fourth quarter, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich opted to rest Duncan and Tony Parker for the rest of the game. Parker finished with 16 points and five turnovers and Duncan had 11 points but produced only two rebounds to match his career playoff low, set Apr. 23, 2009 against Dallas.

Stephen Jackson also added 16 for the Spurs, who finished with a playoff-low 40 percent from the field with 21 turnovers. DeJuan Blair scored 10 points in garbage time in the fourth quarter.

Durant scored 16 points in the first half to lead the Thunder to a 54-41 halftime lead as they dominated the game from the start of the second quarter.

The Thunder showed it was going to be different from the start as a feisty defensive effort forced 13 Spurs turnovers in the first half and limited them to 40 percent shooting before the break

Harden added 11 points and Westbrook chipped in with eight as the Thunder extended their lead up to 15 points before the break.

Parker led San Antonio with 11 points and Duncan added nine, but the Spurs were out of synch throughout the game.

Durant’s technical with 9:22 left in the second quarter seemed to ignite the Thunder.

After Manu Ginobili’s free throw on the technical pulled the Spurs within 31-28, Oklahoma City took control on a 15-4 run punctuated by a pull-up jumper by Westbrook that gave them a 46-32 with 4:15 left.

Earlier, the Spurs weathered an early charge by the Thunder who jumped to an 8-0 lead in the first 3 minutes.

Parker had trouble with Thabo Sefolosha’s length in the early going as Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks opted to put him on the Spurs point guard after his 34-point game in Game 2 Tuesday night.

Sefolosha responded with four steals in the Spurs’ first seven possessions as the Spurs contributed seven turnovers in the first quarter.

Duncan was active in the first quarter after struggling most of the first two games. He hit for seven points in the first quarter as he tried six shots in the first six minutes.

Duncan and Parker combined to score all but one of the Spurs’ first 15 points. But Stephen Jackson came out with a productive ending to the first quarter with some strong defense on Durant and five straight points to boost the Spurs into the lead. Ginobili hit two foul shots to give the Spurs a 24-22 lead at the quarter break.

The Spurs shot only 35.3 percent in the second quarter as the Thunder took control and never trailed after the first minute in the second quarter. and have to get their offense going if they have any hope of extending their strength.

And considering the way the raucous crowd at Chesapeake Energy Arena has responded, it will be the most difficult challenge the Spurs have faced since tax day

wgriffin@express-news.net

Updates by Joe Alexander

The Spurs lost for the first time since April 11 and for the first time in this postseason.

Their 20-game win streak ended with a thud in a 102-82 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Oklahoma City in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals.

The Spurs still lead the best-of-seven series 2-1. The Thunder’s victory guarantees there will be a Game 5 on Monday at the ATT Center.

The Spurs were plagued from the outset by turnovers and mediocre shooting. The Thunder were aggressive on defense and consistently turned Spurs turnovers into points. The Spurs finished with 21 turnovers.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich had all of his starters on the bench with more than eight minutes left in the game. The Thunder pulled their starters midway through the fourth quarter.

Tony Parker and Stephen Jackson led the Spurs with 16 points each. Tim Duncan had 11 points and blocked 5 shots – he became the NBA career leader in postseason blocked shots.

Kevin Durant led Oklahoma City with 22 points and Thabo Sefolosha had 19.

Fourth quarter: The Thunder lead the Spurs 100-75 with 2:57 left.

The Thunder lead 86-63. There’s 9:47 left in the fourth quarter, but this one is basically over.

Third quarter – Thunder 78, Spurs 60: Barring a huge comeback, the Spurs are going to lose for the first time since April 11. The Thunder lead by 18 at the end of the third quarter.

The Thunder lead the Spurs 73-53 with 2:06 left in the third quarter. Kevin Durant has 22 points. The Spurs have 17 turnovers and are shooting 38.8 percent.

The Thunder continue to build on their lead early in the second half. It’s Thunder 63, Spurs 46 with 7:59 left in the third quarter.

Halftime – Thunder 54, Spurs 41: The Spurs have 13 turnovers. Kevin Durant leads the Thunder with 16 points, James Harden has 11. Tony Parker leads the Spurs with 11 points, Tim Duncan has 9 and Manu Ginobili has 8.

The Thunder’s biggest lead of the half was 14 points at 46-32. The Thunder lead 49-37 with 3:01 left in the half.

The Thunder have their biggest lead so far at 44-32. The Spurs are up to 11 turnovers and are shooting 39.3 percent.

The Thunder went on a 9-0 run to retake the lead – again taking advantage of Spurs turnovers. The Thunder are in front 31-28 with 8:59 left in the half.

First quarter – Spurs 24, Thunder 22: The Spurs missed their first four shots of the game and turned the ball over 7 times. Despite that the Spurs lead by two at the end of the first quarter.

Tim Duncan and Tony Parker scored 7 points each in the first 9 minutes of the game. The Thunder lead the spurs 16-15 with 2:43 left in the first quarter.

After the Thunder led 8-0 in the opening minutes, the Spurs lead 13-12. That’s the Spurs’ first lead of the game.

The Spurs missed their first four shots. Tim Duncan made the Spurs’ first two baskets and Tony Parker hit a 3-pointer and a long jumper. The Thunder lead the Spurs 12-10 after leading by eight points.

The Spurs open with four quick turnovers and the Thunder jump out to an 8-0 lead.

Spurs starters: Tony Parker, Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard, Boris Diaw and Tim Duncan.

The Spurs play on the road tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder at 8 p.m. in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals.

Join Jeff McDonald and Tim Griffin for a live game chat (below) beginning at 7:30 p.m.