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Slideshow: Spurs vs. Thunder Game 2

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Spurs 120, Thunder 111: Game 2

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) shoots over San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) lays the ball in against San Antonio Spurs’ Boris Diaw (33) near San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) shoots near San Antonio Spurs’ Boris Diaw (33) and San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Danny Green (4) reacts after hitting a three point basket during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) gets a hand on a shot by Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) is trapped between San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) and San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) slams the ball near San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) is under pressure from San Antonio Spurs’ Boris Diaw (33), San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2), San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) and San Antonio Spurs’ Danny Green (4) during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) talks to San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich stands near San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Danny Green (4) makes a three point basket during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) holds his daughter Sydney and his son, Draven, before the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) gestures after a play during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) gestures after a play during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) dunks over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) passes around Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nazr Mohammed (8) during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) passes over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nazr Mohammed (8) during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Matt Bonner (15) shoots a three point basket during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) reacts after a play during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

A fan holds up a sign during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Fans hold up signs during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

A fan holds up a sign during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after hitting a three point basket during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) gesture for possession of the ball during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nick Collison (4) and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) is fouled by Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) fights for control of the ball with San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) with Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) nearby during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) falls out of bounds after the play during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) swipes the ball away from Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) drives against San Antonio Spurs’ Matt Bonner (15) during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) shoots against San Antonio Spurs’ Danny Green (4) and San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) passes around San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) pulls in a rebound against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) and San Antonio Spurs’ Boris Diaw (33) during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Fans hold up signs during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich gestures during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) dunks against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) during the first half of game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Thunder trio ran at one-third of capacity

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City didn’t follow its recipe for success in the last two games of the Western Conference finals, yet the Thunder still managed to even the series.

Russell Westbrook and James Harden are supposed to be vital cogs in the Thunder’s Big Three, along with Kevin Durant. The trio combined for 4,452 points during the regular season, leading all NBA trios with an average of 68.4 points per game.

So when Durant started slow in Saturday’s Game 4, and Westbrook and Harden both clanked through difficult shooting nights, it would have seemed to spell disaster for the Thunder’s NBA title hopes.

Instead, the Thunder’s unheralded collection of role players came up with a monster collective effort that kept them afloat until Durant ignited their closing rush in a 109-103 triumph.

Kendrick Perkins, Serge Ibaka and Nick Collison combined to hit 22 of 25 shots, as the Spurs struggled to contain the lesser Oklahoma City players.

“You go into a game with a game plan and try to make other guys beat you,” Collison said, when asked to consider what the Spurs were trying to do in Saturday’s game. “When other guys are able to step up and make shots, it’s tough to defend against that. We’re just going to try to continue doing the same things.”

Particularly shocking was the game for Ibaka, who hit all 11 of his shots en route to a career-best 26 points.

Ibaka’s reputation had always been as a shot-blocking wizard whose shooting range barely extended outside the lane.

“All the (Oklahoma City) bigs really scored (Saturday),” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “Obviously, you put most of your attention on the Big Three there and try to do a great job on them first. But their bigs came through (Saturday) and were just outstanding.”

Westbrook’s slump has peaked in the last two games of the series. After notching career-best averages of 23.6 points and 45.7 percent shooting from the field during the regular season, his numbers have dipped to 8.5 points and 28 percent shooting in the last two games.

But even with those struggles, Thunder coach Scott Brooks said Westbrook has been a productive player in the victories.

“I’m happy with Russ the last two games,” Brooks said. “His numbers don’t stand down and say, ‘Wow, he had a major impact on the offensive end.’ But he did.”

His value has included other elements.

“Russ made timely passes. He set incredible screens. He chased down a couple of plays that probably only Russell could do in the NBA,” Brooks said. “He has a lot of skill and a lot of determination. But I thought the screens to get those shots open for Kevin were just as important as Kevin making them.”

That might have been true in Games 3 and 4. But the Thunder desperately need their Big Three to return to form in order to steal a game in San Antonio.

tgriffin@express-news.net

Spurs notebook: Title, not streak, matters to Spurs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

torsborn@express-news.net