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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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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’ 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)
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. (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:
