Serge Ibaka scored 15 points in a dramatic return from what was thought to be a season-ending left calf strain, helping the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the San Antonio Spurs 106-97 on Sunday night in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals.
Ibaka started after missing the first two games of the series. The Thunder originally said he would miss the rest of the playoffs but changed course Friday. His presence helped the Thunder dominate and cut the Spurs' lead in the series to 2-1.
Ibaka made six of seven shots and was a threat that gave Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook relief. Westbrook had 26 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, and Durant added 25 points and 10 rebounds.
Manu Ginobili scored 23 points, and Tim Duncan added 16 points and eight rebounds for the Spurs.