Abaka's coming back

[itzsoweezee]

Probably too little too late, but still:


Adrian Wojnarowski ‏@WojYahooNBA 2m
Serge Ibaka has rapidly progressed and Thunder have changed status to day-to-day for Western Conference Finals, league source tells Yahoo.

[313]

Beat me to it :lol

Still gonna be a sweep. Dude is gonna be playing on one leg.

[Fireball]

:pctoss

[Beaverfuzz]

Glad to hear Ebaka is coming back.

[DBMethos]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MM73OSzsi-s/TBP1Dq9_X_I/AAAAAAAAAns/1ssI8Zoh4JA/s1600/sweep+the+leg.jpg

[urunobili]

Expected :depressed

[Beaverfuzz]

Ubaka might make an appearance as well, I'd get worried if Ybaka is inserted into the 12 man roster though.

[BatManu20]

469878891411439617
469880878668079104
469880605657030656

[DPG21920]

Clown music.

[davidbowie]

oh cool now they can only lose by 20 instead of 30

[SanDiegoSpursFan]

Hopefully he's a bit gimpy for game 3.

[Dex]

If Ebaka is able to step on the floor, he will not be the same Ebaka that served as their defensive anchor and third option. He will be used as a decoy, and I would be surprised if he didn't end up being more liability than asset.

Non-issue.

[smaka]

Well they will at least give the credit to the Spurs now when they beat them in 2 more games.

[doobs]

The absurd lag between games 2 and 3, ugh

Game 3 should be tonight, but no

[DesignatedT]

:lol our whole team saw it coming.

Good, now they have no excuse.

[smaka]

Just one more thought - I don't believe in this "rapid improvement". I think they knew it from beginning, that it wasn't as bad as they said it was. Poor Scotty and whole OKC crew that they had to lie about it, though. Lost much respect in my opinion.

[DesignatedT]

Just one more thought - I don't believe in this "rapid improvement". I think they knew it from beginning, that it wasn't as bad as they said it was. Poor Scotty and whole OKC crew that they had to lie about it, though. Lost much respect in my opinion.

Our guys saw right through it.

[doobs]

Agreed -- it was an exaggerated injury, and the Spurs called it a few days ago. OKC failed attempt at psychological warfare.

[smaka]

Our guys saw right through it.
I know, and it's good that they did, so it isn't a surprise for them.
But still, the way OKC tried to fool the league, the media.. Shameful act.

[Mal]

The absurd lag between games 2 and 3, ugh

Game 3 should be tonight, but no

Chill, he wont fucking help them

[baseline bum]

Well fuck.

[313]

:lol our whole team saw it coming.

Good, now they have no excuse.

:cry he's not 100%

[EVAY]

I still believe that the Thunder imagined that they could beat us without Ibaka, and keeping him out would give him a chance to recover for their imagined series with the Heat. And I said so at the time.

But they haven't fared well enough without him, so they will see how it goes with him now. He may play on Sunday and they may win on Sunday on pure emotion…but I think we still take the series.

If he comes back for game 3 and plays any amount of time, he will not be able to recover in time for there not to be a considerable loss of effectiveness with only a day in between games. (See Parker, Tony, last year).

[DPG21920]

Why would OKC lie :lol? Pretty convincing ruse to hold him out the first two games of the WCF while they were getting beat down :lol

[davidbowie]

okc in 7

[Gino20]

I'm wondering if this is going to be similar to the David Lee situation from last year. Lee came back, but was obviously not himself and just played a few minutes. It might just be a moral boost or the injury was over-played by team.

[SpurPadre]

TP knew it. Game 3 will be tough and the crowd will blow their loads upon hearing Ibaka's name and won't let up all game long. No 11-11 for the fucker this time, though.

[DesignatedT]

Not saying he wasn't hurt at all but they knew of the 3 days off between games 2 and 3 and they knew he had a good chance to return at this moment. They declared him out for the series and made a point to reiterate that over and over again. Bush league :lol

People don't magically go from "out for the season" to "day to day". OKC knew it wasn't that bad. It was bad enough to miss a week or two but that's not what they said.

[DPG21920]

Orrrrrrrrrrr, he could have just improved and the original diagnosis was not accurate.

[look_at_g_shred]

Now the media's excuse when we beat them will be if Ibaka was 100% :lol

[BanditHiro]

i expect 50 FT for the Thunder...it is just to good of a story. Series is over.

[DesignatedT]

Orrrrrrrrrrr, he could have just improved and the original diagnosis was not accurate.

lol no. lol declaring him out for the season.

[Gino20]

It could possibly be mind games from OKC. The timing is a bit odd if you think about. Why mention this today? Why not tomorrow to avoid giving the Spurs more prep time? The team saw it coming, but still...

[peacemaker885]

Bring it. If we can't win with Ibaka playing, then we don't. Simple as that.

[timtonymanu]

Amused needs to start a game thread on the OKC forum. Work your magic, boy.

[look_at_g_shred]

Brooks :lol willing to end a players career to save his :lol

[RD2191]

I still believe that the Thunder imagined that they could beat us without Ibaka, and keeping him out would give him a chance to recover for their imagined series with the Heat. And I said so at the time.

But they haven't fared well enough without him, so they will see how it goes with him now. He may play on Sunday and they may win on Sunday on pure emotion…but I think we still take the series.

If he comes back for game 3 and plays any amount of time, he will not be able to recover in time for there not to be a considerable loss of effectiveness with only a day in between games. (See Parker, Tony, last year).
A thousand times this. The Thunders cockiness and smugness will be their undoing. I'm pretty sure they thought they could at least split in SA. Fuck em. Hope the Spurs blow em out.

[Budkin]

They have to be nuts if they are willing to risk long term injury on this series. They aren't beating us no matter what.

[SpurAddict561]

It does seem odd they would put this info out with 48 hours of "adjusting" time for the Spurs coaching staff to utilize getting ready for Ibaka's return.

Very Bellicheck-esque by Brooks

WELL PLAYED, SCOTTY

[urunobili]

Amused needs to start a game thread on the OKC forum. Work your magic, boy.

Amuseddaysleeper

[MmP]

This was reported first by Wojnarowsky, nothing official.

[boutons_deux]

this guy isn't gonna make up a 20+ point diff.

It's disgusting how the press has hyped, milked this Ibaka story to be bigger than the actual destruction of OKC.

Still sore? he ain't gonna be blocking many shots on a sore calf.

[SnakeBoy]

I'm not a basketball guru but the one thing I've learned from the media over the past week is that it doesn't matter if Ibaka isn't 100%, his mere presence will prevent the Spurs from getting within 18 feet of the basket. They might even be scared to cross the half court line knowing the great Ibaka is waiting for them. We are doomed :depressed.

[soxxx]

I doubt he plays as many minutes he usually does. His average is around 30 minutes, so I would like at about 12 minutes a game.

[benefactor]

Great news.:tu

[soxxx]

this guy isn't gonna make up a 20+ point diff.

It's disgusting how the press has hyped, milked this Ibaka story to be bigger than the actual destruction of OKC.

Still sore? he ain't gonna be blocking many shots on a sore calf.
I agree but no ones gunna care when the Spurs are beating the Heat. Last year the Spurs caught a huge break but it was pretty much forgotten when we played in the finals and proved we were championship material.

The Heat dont have an asterisk next to their titles, despite Rose being injured. (and yes I believe the Bulls would have eventually beaten the heat if Rose was healthy, unfortunately he was not)

[timtonymanu]

:lol some of you need to nut up.

It's not going to be the same Abaka we are use to.

[benefactor]

:lol some of you need to nut up.

It's not going to be the same Abaka we are use to.
Greys gonna grey. They know their position in the hierarchy and they embrace it fully with their actions. No need to try to coax them into being something they are not.

[BatManu20]

469890730219933696

[SpurAddict561]

I hope he does play

can't wait to watch him limping around defending the pick & roll

[FromWayDowntown]

At this point, floating this story only really makes sense if they intend to play Ibaka in Game 3. I guess they could hope that they can win Game 3 with some better attention to detail and more shot making from guys who may play better at home (and without Ibaka), but if they somehow come up short in Game 3, I can't imagine they're bringing Serge back down 0-3.

We'll see. The Spurs expected to have to beat the Thunder with Ibaka, and now they will likely have to do that. If anything, one would hope that the looming specter of an Ibaka return would help to refocus the Spurs and remind them that there's still a lot to be done in this series.

[Budkin]

Seriously, if he plays it'll basically be 5 on 4. That was not a minor injury by any means.

[Budkin]

i expect 50 FT for the Thunder...it is just to good of a story. Series is over.

:lmao Wow.

[EVAY]

Why would OKC lie :lol? Pretty convincing ruse to hold him out the first two games of the WCF while they were getting beat down :lol

Who said they were lying? Believing that you can beat another team without somebody is just good basketball, and something Pop has tried many times.

Learning that you may NOT be able to beat that other team without this player and so deciding to let him try (hasn't been proven that he can perform yet) is another good basketball sense. Desperation? Yes. Did OKC look desperate after game 2? I think so.

[Darius Bieber]

Does anyone have a video of the injury actually occurring? I've been told it's serious but the dude basically has had a week off...

[LoneStarState'sPride]

I wish a nigga would come back early.

And props to the Spurs for not falling for the lie that he'd be out.

[Horse]

Good this will force us to focus and not think about game 1 or 2.

[sammy]

Won't matter! Even if gimpy Ibaka playing, TP will just blow by him! LOL! Well if he wants to ruin his career by injuring that calf more go ahead dumbass!

[ginobilized]

Can't wait to see how Spurs attack him offensively. Pop has got to have multiple plans for this expected outcome. Still feels like OKC playing checkers with chess pieces.
Their lack of system on offense and defense cannot possibly be repaired by one injured player. That said, Sunday should be a real dogfight.

[look_at_g_shred]

I doubt he plays as many minutes he usually does. His average is around 30 minutes, so I would like at about 12 minutes a game.
This is Brooks we are talking about.

[Horse]

I say attack him from the tip see how sore it is.

[PublicOption]

thats why they wern't playing at 100%. especially in game 2. they are waiting for the guy and since they have done it to us before they think they can do it again.

[peacemaker885]

This just gives Spurs more fuel.

[FromWayDowntown]

469889060186517505

[Budkin]

This is Brooks we are talking about.

Exactly. Brooks is willing to sacrifice Ibaka's career for his own. He's out if they lose this series.

[PublicOption]

If you are "out for the season" shouldn't this player be "out for the season". Brooks said he wasn't coming back, so reporters should ask him why did he lie.

[Vic Petro]

Panic move by OKC. Spurs just need to sustain their early onslaught of adrenaline and false hope. If the game is close going into the 4th the Spurs are going up 3-0.

[Mugen]

Not unexpected and I'm okay with this tbh.

[Ron Swanson]

http://s3.amazonaws.com/rapgenius/as-a-married-man-mfw-other-girls-talk-to-me-about-problems-they-are-having-with-their-boyfriends-10745.gif

[jag]

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9h1sbi3EQ1qdv22eo1_500.gif

[jag]

thats why they wern't playing at 100%. especially in game 2. they are waiting for the guy and since they have done it to us before they think they can do it again.


If you are "out for the season" shouldn't this player be "out for the season". Brooks said he wasn't coming back, so reporters should ask him why did he lie.

http://www.slacktory.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Michael-Scott-what.gif

[EVAY]

Why would OKC lie :lol? Pretty convincing ruse to hold him out the first two games of the WCF while they were getting beat down :lol

Check out Pop's quote on hearing the news: "I'm shocked…I soooo surprised! Honestly, we know Sammy (Presti). We always knew he would be back".

So what is the answer to your question? Why DID they lie?

[Malik Hairston]

Good move..even if he can't contribute at a high level, his return could still spark the team, since they desperately need some type of energy booster, tbh..

Hopefully he tears his calf and ends his career, though..

[DPG21920]

Lol pop & co also said he would be back the first two games :lol

[wildchild]

I don't have any problem with Presti sports/guerrilla tactics...The Spurs'll win this series.
We're better than 2012 and a desperate BrandonRoy/DavidLee/SergeIbaka returns won't help them so much.

[EVAY]

We just have to run them up and down the court as fast as possible for as long as possible…to try to put as much stress on him as possible.

[wildchild]

Good move..even if he can't contribute at a high level, his return could still spark the team, since they desperately need some type of energy booster, tbh...

For a game, not for all this series. It's just an emotional move like Brandon Roy return in Game 4 against the Suns, an injured player can't help in playoffs.

[jag]

We just have to run them up and down the court as fast as possible for as long as possible…to try to put as much stress on him as possible.

...or just stick to the gameplan. You know, play good team defense and penetrate and move the ball on offense.

[EVAY]

Lol pop & co also said he would be back the first two games :lol

Oh, come on, man!! Admit it.. the notion that they were lying is not nearly as far fetched as your first couple of lol's would have indicated.

Pop and Parker were off by one or two games…Brooks was still saying AFTER game 2 that "Ibaka is not coming back". One or two games vs. rest of the season. hmmmmm!

[crc21209]

Meh...not surprised. But even then, he won't be able to play 30-40 mins right? Best case scenario for them would be him playing anywhere between 12-24 mins, which probably still won't be enough..

[hommeaetage]

Brooks and co were lying, there's no way around that. My guess is they thought they had enough to split the series at SA and give Ibaka enough time to rest the injury. It's either that or Brooks/Presti are willing to jeopardize a young man's career to save their own butt which would be pretty bush league imo

[baseline bum]

Seriously, if he plays it'll basically be 5 on 4. That was not a minor injury by any means.

Why assume Presti was telling the truth when he discussed the severity?

[Budkin]

Good move..even if he can't contribute at a high level, his return could still spark the team, since they desperately need some type of energy booster, tbh..

Hopefully he tears his calf and ends his career, though..

This could end so badly for Ibaka and the Thunder.

[Budkin]

Why assume Presti was telling the truth when he discussed the severity?

Why would they sacrifice 2 games? Why not bring him back for Game 2 if the injury was not severe?

[baseline bum]

Why would they sacrifice 2 games? Why not bring him back for Game 2 if the injury was not severe?

Because he had less rehab days and wasn't ready?

[T Park]

Orrrrrrrrrrr, he could have just improved and the original diagnosis was not accurate.

HGH is a hell of a drug

[FvckMavs]

Or they didn't expect a 35pt-beat down and thought they had a chance in game 2 even without him.


Because he had less rehab days and wasn't ready?

[InRareForm]

painkillers...

[hommeaetage]

Spurs need to just stick to the gameplan. 90% of the time they get beat is because they get away from it. Also this might be the perfect game for MVParker to make his appearance because Danny won't go 7/10 from 3 on Sunday

[InRareForm]

Vegas line still the same: Thunder -2

[cd021]

Not saying he wasn't hurt at all but they knew of the 3 days off between games 2 and 3 and they knew he had a good chance to return at this moment. They declared him out for the series and made a point to reiterate that over and over again. Bush league :lol

People don't magically go from "out for the season" to "day to day". OKC knew it wasn't that bad. It was bad enough to miss a week or two but that's not what they said.
david lee last playoffs

[T Park]

At this point, floating this story only really makes sense if they intend to play Ibaka in Game 3. I guess they could hope that they can win Game 3 with some better attention to detail and more shot making from guys who may play better at home (and without Ibaka), but if they somehow come up short in Game 3, I can't imagine they're bringing Serge back down 0-3.

We'll see. The Spurs expected to have to beat the Thunder with Ibaka, and now they will likely have to do that. If anything, one would hope that the looming specter of an Ibaka return would help to refocus the Spurs and remind them that there's still a lot to be done in this series.


That's assuming they lost focus. From today's interviews it doesn't sound like it...

[Budkin]

Ibaka decided it was bout dis life tbh.

[th3answ3r]

hyperbolic time chamber, they put him in

[Budkin]

That's assuming they lost focus. From today's interviews it doesn't sound like it...

This. Danny Green just shrugged and said they planned for him to play in game 1.

[I. Hustle]

He doin' too much. He aint about dis life.

[crc21209]

http://m.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/nba/serge-ibaka-now-listed-as-day-to-day/article_4605f8bc-e29b-11e3-9d99-001a4bcf6878.html?mode=jqm

Official statement from Presti:

"At present, Serge has yet to complete a full basketball workout, but is walking and doing light basketball drills. With this new information, and in an effort to keep his status current, we are now listing him as day-to-day with the understanding that there is a possibility for him to play in this series"

[Spurs21Fan4Ever]

Great, now even if the Spurs win, the storylines will be about how much of a warrior Ibaka is and how despite what he'll do, the fact that he played will make this one of the greatest playoff performances of all time.

[I. Hustle]

Duncan: Aron, sweep the leg!
Baynes: Yes, sensei!
http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Tim+Duncan+Aron+Baynes+ViGIHLETVaMm.jpg

[naico]

The question remains: who's nuts is he gonna assault?

[ElNono]

Great, now even if the Spurs win, the storylines will be about how much of a warrior Ibaka is and how despite what he'll do, the fact that he played will make this one of the greatest playoff performances of all time.

who gives a crap about "story lines"... let's get the Finals, they can have whatever storyline they want

[BanditHiro]

Great, now even if the Spurs win, the storylines will be about how much of a warrior Ibaka is and how despite what he'll do, the fact that he played will make this one of the greatest playoff performances of all time.

which is why the Thunder are winning the series...they are going to average 50 FT over the next 5 games.

[myhc]

How many times has Reggie Miller jerked off to this news since it broke? LOL

[jag]

who gives a crap about "story lines"... let's get the Finals, they can have whatever storyline they want

It smells of vagina in here.

[Mikeanaro]

His african genes are so advanced that he can heal 10x faster than GOAT athletes, Russell Westbrook is carrying his seed Im so happy for them.

[ElNono]

It smells of vagina in here.

:lol ST needs to start passing free Vagisil, tbh

[cd021]

who gives a crap about "story lines"... let's get the Finals, they can have whatever storyline they want
:tu get okc in the rearview ASAP it doesn't matter what they say

[DAF86]

Why would OKC lie :lol? Pretty convincing ruse to hold him out the first two games of the WCF while they were getting beat down :lol

To gain some kind of "psychological" advantage when said player makes an appearance. I personally think it's a retarded thing to do but it's nothing new, it's something that is done in every sport. There's a reason Spurs players weren't buying it, tbh.

[MeloHype]

As long as Harden doesn't come back, we should win this series

[cd021]

The question remains: who's nuts is he gonna assault?
i gotta believe its Leonards, goaltenders hate getting dunked on. KL got him in the '12 WCF

[MeloHype]

i gotta believe its Leonards, goaltenders hate getting dunked on. KL got him in the '12 WCFLeonard is gonna be on the bench due to foul trouble, so it'll probably be Duncan imo

[Robz4000]

Shocking

[InRareForm]

http://giant.gfycat.com/QuarrelsomeThirstyImperatorangel.gif

[Oh, Gee!!]

To gain some kind of "psychological" advantage when said player makes an appearance. I personally think it's a retarded thing to do but it's nothing new, it's something that is done in every sport. There's a reason Spurs players weren't buying it, tbh.

You don't sit your best defender for two games of the WCF hoping to gain some "psychological advantage." You might do it for a quarter, but not two entire games.

[ElNono]

FWIW, I'm going with the "Presti is selling tickets" storyline...

[DAF86]

You don't sit your best defender for two games of the WCF hoping to gain some "psychological advantage." You might do it for a quarter, but not two entire games.

:lol I'm not saying he wasn't hurt, I'm just saying that they knew all along there was a good chance that he could play on this series but they decided to say the he was out for the season.

[poop]

His african genes are so advanced that he can heal 10x faster than GOAT athletes, Russell Westbrook is carrying his seed Im so happy for them.Lol

[Oh, Gee!!]

:lol I'm not saying he wasn't hurt, I'm just saying that they knew all along there was a good chance that he could play on this series but they decided to say the he was out for the season.

maybe, I think it's more likely that he's not coming back and they're saying he might to fuck with the spurs

[r0drig0lac]

As long as Harden doesn't come back, we should win this seriesthis

[DAF86]

maybe, I think it's more likely that he's not coming back and they're saying he might to fuck with the spurs

That's another posibility but I think he will play.

[silverblk mystix]

If the Spurs and Splitter - who should be guarding Ibaka - make him put the ball on the floor - every single time he touches the ball, the Spurs sweep the Thunder.

If they let him shoot jumpers all game - the Thunder win a game or two.

This would be on Pop.

[Oh, Gee!!]

I bet he's actually dead

[FromWayDowntown]

who gives a crap about "story lines"...

+1.

People will say what they're going to say. The record book be the record book.

[Mugen]

It means they're desperate. As long as the Spurs don't get overwhelmed by the early boost, they'll be fine in Game 3. I'm glad spear-chucker will be around for the fun tbh.

[Aztecfan03]

You don't sit your best defender for two games of the WCF hoping to gain some "psychological advantage." You might do it for a quarter, but not two entire games.

No one is saying he wasn't hurt. They are suggesting Thunder over-exaggerated his injury and/or they are bringing him back earlier than they wanted too but that he needed to rest the first 2 games at minimum.

[EVAY]

I bet he's actually dead

:lol Now THAT'S a story line!!!!: :lol

[Mugen]

Lying about injuries & timetables is old news for Presti & Co. tbh. Do people really believe the organization is legitimately shocked by this miraculous recovery? :lol

[Shastafarian]

How do we know these aren't more mind games after two successive beatdowns? I'll believe he's playing when it's officially announced Sunday.

[KaiRMD1]

The goaltending

[will_spurs]

FWIW, I'm going with the "Presti is selling tickets" storyline...

Sounds like a very plausible explanation.

Give the fans hope, play for 10 minutes like a zombie (which won't change the outcome of the game anyway), be a local hero, provide a feel-good excuse for being swept by the Spurs... there are only positive aspects to this story for OKC management.

[heyheymymy]

totally reaks of desperation by okc to pull this move, they look like noobs this series, totally out of sync top down. strange for a team who's been there before. didn't expect such a complete lack of poise from the thunder in this series.

[Eddy from Austin]

http://i.imgur.com/ZXQH7zf.jpg (http://imgur.com/ZXQH7zf)

[mudyez]

Who the hell is this "Ibaka". I watched the WCF and read a lot of game recaps, Reggie Miller interviews and other espn stuff. Never came across this name.

[Mugen]

Orrrrrrrrrrr, he could have just improved and the original diagnosis was not accurate.

They've got quite a long history of inaccurate injury timetables then. I mean when does it stop being coincidence that their guys always seem to come back sooner than expected and accepted as just a part of their Front Office M.O. tbh.

[ElNono]

Lying about injuries & timetables is old news for Presti & Co. tbh. Do people really believe the organization is legitimately shocked by this miraculous recovery? :lol

:lol they already lied about stealing the franchise from Seattle.

[heyheymymy]

Now if only they could get Harden to return too.

[Spur|n|Austin]

If you are "out for the season" shouldn't this player be "out for the season". Brooks said he wasn't coming back, so reporters should ask him why did he lie.

http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3580779/huh.gif


maybe, I think it's more likely that he's not coming back and they're saying he might to fuck with the spurs

I'm thinking the exact same; OKC trying out the psychological approach..

[Mugen]

:lol they already lied about stealing the franchise from Seattle.

Exactly. The franchise was already born from sketchy origins. To think that lying about how injured a player really is a stretch for their org is pretty dumb to me tbh.

[DesignatedT]

Lying about injuries & timetables is old news for Presti & Co. tbh. Do people really believe the organization is legitimately shocked by this miraculous recovery? :lol

Lol apparently some do.

[Strategic]

Damn, now the zen has one less excuse.

[ducks]

he will pick up fouls do to him being slow

[JR3]

One more reason to have our guys step it up even another level! Bring it!

[EVAY]

Presti's most recent quote says something along the lines of "Well, there was so much blood and swelling in the original imaging and diagnosis, that is what we based the expected time for return on."

Cracks me up…so basically he's saying "our medical staff can't read an injury MRI and it's all their fault that we lied"!! HAH!!

Throwing the docs under the bus!!

[Mugen]

Either the Thunder' medical staff is terrible at diagnosing injuries, or the Front Office isn't genuine in how they deal w/ injury reports.

I refuse to believe that a professional team's doctors are that bad.

Nothing wrong with that, of course, as they're not breaking any rules to my knowledge. But it gives you some possible insight on how the organization is run over in OKC tbh.

[ElNono]

Did Presti had an update on the rectum tear his team suffered last Wednesday? :lol

[ElNono]

Either the Thunder' medical staff is terrible at diagnosing injuries, or the Front Office isn't genuine in how they deal w/ injury reports.

I refuse to believe that a professional team's doctors are that bad.

Nothing wrong with that, of course, as they're not breaking any rules to my knowledge. But it gives you some possible insight on how the organization is run over in OKC tbh.

Leave it to Amused to do a half-assed job, tbh...

[peacemaker885]

Leave it to Amused to do a half-assed job, tbh...

:lmao

[Mugen]

469889060186517505

:lol I mean, even that Pop quote is snarkier than usual. That's a subtle jab at Presti and the two already don't have the greatest of relationships after how Sam handled accepting the Sonics job.

[testies]

NBA should investigate and fine these things... No, they prefer to give multi thousand dollar fines on cursing and other soft shit

[Mugen]

Leave it to Amused to do a half-assed job, tbh...

Haven't seen a Canadian turn heel so quickly since Bret "The Hitman" Hart tbh.

[Strategic]

Well it is Methhttps://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQnI5OI9pbABtcrAwX5TJENp9vP_cGn2 fP_ZAYMiJXJaX8NWmfUEwKC after all.

[BillMc]

Ubaka might make an appearance as well, I'd get worried if Ybaka is inserted into the 12 man roster though.

How about Chewbaka? Will he be on the active list?

[Prose]

http://s3.amazonaws.com/rapgenius/as-a-married-man-mfw-other-girls-talk-to-me-about-problems-they-are-having-with-their-boyfriends-10745.gif

[Mikeanaro]

It doesnt matter anymore, thing is Spurs knew this was BS and the people who bought this shit were the idiots.

[beirmeistr]

Did Presti had an update on the rectum tear his team suffered last Wednesday? :lol

Rectal tear is day to day basis

[DesignatedT]

:lol at out for the year actually meaning out for 7 days.

[BC3]

which begs the question why the hell they have perkins anyways???

[spurtech09]

lol if this is true than OKC is just abunch of fools .....I knew he would end up coming back.....spurs still gonna put a can of whoop ass on the thunder....

[SpursOwn]

They were gonna take 1 game anyways. We still win in 5.

[Oh, Gee!!]

Surge Eebocka

[spurtech09]

He might come back but who knows if he will be the same on the floor.....bet he won't be 100%

[exstatic]

Tim is day to day.

[EVAY]

Hell, man we're all day-to-day!

[shorttotry]

Why would OKC lie :lol? Pretty convincing ruse to hold him out the first two games of the WCF while they were getting beat down :lol

If that is Brooks CIA move, then lol

[RD2191]

I don't think his injury was all that serious to begin with. OKC just thought they could split in SA. I actually expect Ibaka to be pretty effective coming back.

[jag]

I don't see why it's such a big deal for them to exaggerate the timetable for his return. There are multiple reasons to do so, and I don't think any of those reasons are entirely unscrupulous.

There was some gamesmanship there, obviously, but I think there is also the aspect that Brooks didn't want his team to hope Serge would play in the first two games, and then feel crippled without him on the floor. You don't want them looking ahead to when Serge will be back and feeling hopeless until he gets there.

[Mikeanaro]

I don't think his injury was all that serious to begin with. OKC just thought they could split in SA. I actually expect Ibaka to be pretty effective coming back.
What if baynes goes drunk to the game and kicks this skinny overrated bitch in his chicken legs and then proceeds to punch his ugly face?

[RD2191]

What if baynes goes drunk to the game and kicks this skinny overrated bitch in his chicken legs and then proceeds to punch his ugly face?
If he dies he dies.

[Mikeanaro]

If he dies he dies.
Nice.

[PublicOption]

...what is this WWE shit. pretty stupid if you ask me......and dishonest. the league should suspend him a game just for the bullshit Brooks was spewing.

[PublicOption]

Its like the wrestler that is about to be pinned, then getting energy from the crowd to overcome and win......Karate Kid, Rocky shit.......all a little staged.

[313]

http://giant.gfycat.com/QuarrelsomeThirstyImperatorangel.gif:lol

[313]

Did Presti had an update on the rectum tear his team suffered last Wednesday? :lol

Game time decision tbh

[ManuTastic]

Whew, glad it's only Abaka. Hope Ibaka doesn't get better though...

:)
NO seriously, I don't expect him to be able to have much impact on the series. OKC will probably win game 3 anyway--at home with lots of help from the zebras--but even if/when Ibaka returns he won't be 100%, and fuck it, bring him on anyway. Let's see if we can beat this team WITH him; hasn't happened much lately. I still got Spurs in 5.

[BillMc]

Bruce thinks it will be an emotional lift, but Serge won't be able to compete while injured.


http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=10974359

[Spurs9]

Regardless if Ibaka returns the only scorers are KD or Chunker. Chunker will be in 100% hero ball in game 3.

[Pauleta14]

:lol I mean, even that Pop quote is snarkier than usual. That's a subtle jab at Presti and the two already don't have the greatest of relationships after how Sam handled accepting the Sonics job.

Can somone tell m more about this episode please?
thx

[LoneStarState'sPride]

who gives a crap about "story lines"... let's get the Finals, they can have whatever storyline they want

THIS, tbqfh

[FuzzyLumpkins]

David Lee did this same shit last year. It worked out well for the Warriors.

[therealtruth]

Anyone scared?

[sexinthatsx]

Per Yahoo's article:

“The abundance of blood and therefore swelling in Serge’s calf has reduced substantially and unexpectedly, allowing a level of movement and stability not thought possible after the initial diagnosis," Thunder general manager Sam Presti said in a statement.

So either OKC is lying, or Serge Ibaka is on some serious PEDs. So which is it? Either way it makes OKC look like an idiot.

[SnakeBoy]

Anyone scared?

I'm scared of bears.

[baseline bum]

I'm scared of bears.

Why? Bears almost always run away when you're anywhere near. Now buffalo don't; dem niggas are aggressive as fuck.

[KL2]

Eh seems like BS, a last resort, trying to mess with SA's gameplan.

[slick'81]

Okc pulling a Willis reed

[baseline bum]

Okc pulling a Derek Anderson

fify

[Darkwaters]

This was reported first by Wojnarowsky, nothing official.

Woj might as well be an official NBA press release. That dude is so tied in it's unreal.

[SnakeBoy]

Why? Bears almost always run away when you're anywhere near. Now buffalo don't; dem niggas are aggressive as fuck.

Yeah but when they do attack they are very inefficient killers so they just use brute force to pin you down and then start eating. Other big bad predators at least have the decency to kill you before they start munching.

[gospursgojas]

I'm scared of bears.

Why? Bears almost always run away when you're anywhere near. Now buffalo don't; dem niggas are aggressive as fuck.

Bears can smell the menstruation

[Horry Hipcheck]

We all expected this. Just means no more 30 point blowouts. Pop's strategy should simply be to continue doing what they've been doing. Parker and Duncan need to go hard in the paint and work Ibaka. Make him jump, make him move, make him put the ball on the floor.

[DesignatedT]

I expect Parker to have his biggest game of the series with this news. He should be feeling close to 100% by Sunday.

[slick'81]

Bears can smell the menstruation

Well that's just great

[wildcardX]

Ok if Ibaka comes walking out of the locker room like Willis Reed, then I say we should one up it. Lets have Matt Bonner strut out of the locker room right after to Hulk Hogan's theme music and his Red Mambamania shirt that he can rip off at the scorers table. I don't care if they are the away team, he can carry out his own boom box and Hulk up, Matt Bonner style.

[DarrinS]

Not worried about Kamala

[RD2191]

Ok if Ibaka comes walking out of the locker room like Willis Reed, then I say we should one up it. Lets have Matt Bonner strut out of the locker room right after to Hulk Hogan's theme music and his Red Mambamania shirt that he can rip off at the scorers table. I don't care if they are the away team, he can carry out his own boom box and Hulk up, Matt Bonner style.
YES

[dbreiden83080]

If we somehow managed to go from a 35 point blowout 2 to 0 series lead to dropping four straight to these fools then we don't deserve to be in the NBA finals.

[BC3]

their problems are bigger than Ibaka. only refs can help them now.

[slick'81]

If we somehow managed to go from a 35 point blowout 2 to 0 series lead to dropping four straight to these fools then we don't deserve to be in the NBA finals.

exactly if ibaka is enough of a difference maker to suddenly make okc close to 2-2 spurs got bigger problems

[coachmac87]

Did research on a Grade 2 of the plantaris. Initial pain goes away after a couple of days, but grade 1 or 2 means it's a slight tear of the muscle..which takes 8-10 weeks to properly heal. Thunder leaked the diagnosis of the injury which they've had to get the info from MRI...just blows my mind how all this came about.

If they lied about the injury are their ramifications?? Maybe a fine? MRI results is the key. Where are they?
Everybody needs an explanation...but honestly I don't think the Spurs even care

[coachmac87]

Did research on a Grade 2 of the plantaris. Initial pain goes away after a couple of days, but grade 1 or 2 means it's a slight tear of the muscle..which takes 8-10 weeks to properly heal. Thunder leaked the diagnosis of the injury which they've had to get the info from MRI...just blows my mind how all this came about.

If they lied about the injury are their ramifications?? Maybe a fine? MRI results is the key. Where are they?
Everybody needs an explanation...but honestly I don't think the Spurs even care

[Horry Hipcheck]

If we somehow managed to go from a 35 point blowout 2 to 0 series lead to dropping four straight to these fools then we don't deserve to be in the NBA finals.

This. OKC solved the Spurs in Game 2 of the 2012 WCF. They lost, but they solved the system. Harden and Ibaka helped turn the tide of that series. Ibaka, even if he's returning, can't single handedly change the advantages that the Spurs have established. He isn't going to go from "out for the season" to series MVP starting tomorrow. The Spurs may not get 60 paint points from here on out, but the Thunder have an immense mountain to climb.

[dbreiden83080]

exactly if ibaka is enough of a difference maker to suddenly make okc close to 2-2 spurs got bigger problems

He will make it harder for us to score in the paint but he is not shutting down our 3 point shots or suddenly making the OKC bench produce. He also can't play 40 minutes on a bad leg. To me just not having to deal with the clutch shooting and playmaking of Harden makes this 0-2 hole so much different than 2012. That bearded douche is not here to make clutch shot after shot..

[baseline bum]

Yeah but when they do attack they are very inefficient killers so they just use brute force to pin you down and then start eating. Other big bad predators at least have the decency to kill you before they start munching.

Bear spray and a .44 tbh

[wildcardX]

I'm glad the Spurs called OKCs bluff. If they want to make this a circus, might as well give them one. It's like Ibaka is the fucking secret weapon or something and the Spurs should be scared like Godzilla is coming to town. Because the Thunder really looked dominant in the first two rounds, GIMME A BREAK!! The Spurs should've been preparing to play OKC since last playoffs. They should be more motivated than any other team to beat the Thunder for 2012 and the Heat for last year(should they make it). Let all these assclowns like Cuban, Barkley, Stephen A, Reggie Miller, Hakeem, Scott Brooks make their own drama with the Spurs and disrespect the team all they want. At the end of the day the Spurs knew it would come down to these two teams. By now they either know how to beat them or they can't. I'd say no more time for talk, get out there and kick these guys asses, shut those shit talking drama queen bastards up and bring back that title of ours.

[spurraider21]

if only we were talking about sea bears. you can just sit in your anti sea bear circle

[ElNono]

This shit is deflection from that video of Westbrook calling out Durbeta in front of everybody... instead of talking about that, now they're going to be talking about Ibaka...

Can't blame Presti, tbh... you gotta protect the franchise...

[Russ]

Per Yahoo's article:

“The abundance of blood and therefore swelling in Serge’s calf has reduced substantially and unexpectedly, allowing a level of movement and stability not thought possible after the initial diagnosis," Thunder general manager Sam Presti said in a statement.

Hematomas tend to recede once the sandbag is removed.

[james evans]

i hope he comes back and we run his ass in the ground.

[timmy2003]

It's expected.

[PingPong]

Future HoFer was owned by Spurs bigs, than they bring half-Ibaka back.

[Brunodf]

Season over, Thunder in 6

[xmas1997]

I knew it.

[tmtcsc]

Fuck Chewbacca. We're taking this thing with or without the wookie.

[slick'81]

Atleast now they can ask the spurs if only ibaka was completely healthy what if....

[dbreiden83080]

Just keep attacking change nothing.. The guy wants to come back and play while hurt fine then bring it right to him 100%..

[slick'81]

Imagine the melt down if spurs lose game 3

[xmas1997]

Now it will be a series.

[SPurs206]

A grade 2 takes time to heal unless he has an extra calf muscle . I feel this is just to get the Thunder fans hyped up so they buy tickets .

[Calispursfan11]

When did he become ABAKA?

[slick'81]

When did he become ABAKA?

Akeem,Hakeem ibaka abaka

[baseline bum]

A grade 2 takes time to heal unless he has an extra calf muscle . I feel this is just to get the Thunder fans hyped up so they buy tickets .

Or maybe it was a grade 1

[benefactor]

Now it will be a series.
No...not really.

[Mugen]

Let's get this bad boy to 20 pages by Game 3 tbh.

[xmas1997]

No...not really.

We will soon see.

[Mugen]

469889896933388288

[Spurs_Be_Beastin']

The whole ReffKC organization are cowards. Fck Icaca , if we win Sunday this series is over.
Spurs better realize that and take care of business Sunday

[Agloco]

Season over, Thunder in 6

lol....you're giving Ibaka far too much credit. Spurs in 6...at worst.

How in the hell can everyone have such short memories about Harden, Westbrook and Durant and their absolutely ridiculous shooting during the 2012 series? That's what beat the Spurs, not Ibaka.

[Agloco]

double

[spursnatic]

We just need to do what we should have done all season long with him..By putting shooting Bigs on the Floor so he will have to get out of the paint and still attack

[CGD]

Is James harden coming back too? Are 2012 thabo and Perkins coming back as well?

On a related note, are the spurs starting a rookie Leonard with only a lockout season shorted training camp under his belt? Are Green and Splitter reverting back to their 2012 forms?

#ManTheFuckupSpursfan

[99 Problems]

We play controlled aggressive in first half. After that we blow them out.

[dbreiden83080]

Let's just say if it turns out he is worth 35 points I will be very very fucking impressed.

[lurker23]

Before Ibaka's injury was originally announced, I thought the Spurs would win in 7 tough games. Even if Ibaka is 100% (which he won't be), the Spurs shouldn't be too worried now that the Thunder have spotted them 2 games. Take care of business in OKC, win at least 1 of the next 2 games, and finish them off.

[dg7md]

Might be risky, I don't think he'll play tbh. Either way, I think we could probably take this series.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

I'm banned at all Thunder forums now. Some require a mod to approve registration and that doesn't look to be happening

[Oh, Gee!!]

Let's just say if it turns out he is worth 35 points I will be very very fucking impressed.

When he is healthy he might be. I doubt he will be with only one good leg

[TheRemix]

Do it bring him back. Lmao we'll just see him hurt himself even more. c'mon ibaka your team isn't beating the spurs this year and even they do, your team will get swept by the heat. there's no point in returning now just recover and hope you do better next year

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

Non-issue. The Thunder are just trying to deflect a lot of their own struggles from the media and the Spurs were expecting these mind games even before the series started.

If he really comes back, make him defend the pick & roll, set some screens on his body, post him up and box him out hard in the 1st quarter. Could be the shortest comeback ever. Spurs should come out on fire for Game 3 and make a statement.

Only thing I'm concerned is refs falling for Brooks call after getting blown out twice "b-b-but they shot more FTs than we did" :cry

[dg7md]

Why would they even give Ibaka big minutes when the future league MVP Steven Adams is there?

[Capster]

Beat me to it :lol

Still gonna be a sweep. Dude is gonna be playing on one leg.

LOL!!! You got that exactly right! Thank you!!!

NBA Western Conference Finals: The Spurs' Precision-Tuned Dominance

[Capster]

Fuck Chewbacca. We're taking this thing with or without the wookie.

What the hell is wookie?

[G-Dawgg]

Good to hear Ibakla is back. The Spurs can definately take advantage of his gimp leg... Run the pick and roll with whoever he is guarding on every play. Make him have to work hard on defense and defend the p&r. If he's playing at less than 100% then he's a liability we can exploit.. He'll be sitting out the rest of the series by the time halftime comes.... :lol

[Spur|n|Austin]

Eebahka may harness and not help no?

[TVI]

It means they're desperate.
This. Pop doesn't give a fuck.

[pgardn]

So of course we would have lost this series with Ibaka at full strength...

Wrong, this was a great chance to take them playing so well.
Posters playing like Memphis was going to beat us last year because, well, they had before.

So if he returns we are in serious trouble? Seriously?

It's on Durant and Westbrook, that has not changed. They still have to play D and score.

[TVI]

What the hell is wookie?
http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5016dbbaeab8ea784b000000/heres-the-crazy-amount-one-person-paid-for-an-original-chewbacca-headpiece.jpg

[mandel17]

The Thunder said Ibaka was out for the playoffs for their own mindset. They wanted their guys to play as if help was not on the way. I would like to see them try to rush him back out of desperation. Like Shaquille said, the Spurs are not a team to experiment with. They will force him to move out of the paint and stretch that strain as far as they can.

[Whisky Dog]

Once they put him on the floor this Spurs team will "sweep the leg" and test his lateral ability. He better be sure he won't fuck it up more seriously and tear it.

[Old School 44]

Good to hear Ibakla is back. The Spurs can definately take advantage of his gimp leg... Run the pick and roll with whoever he is guarding on every play. Make him have to work hard on defense and defend the p&r. If he's playing at less than 100% then he's a liability we can exploit.. He'll be sitting out the rest of the series by the time halftime comes.... :lol
This. And make sure some of those pick and rolls are with Baynes rolling hard. That will make you think about your long term health in a hurry.

[Rummpd]

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2014/story/_/id/10975886/nba-playoffs-serge-ibaka-return-optimistic-not-surprising


A doctor gives his expertise on injury - still not likely for Ibaka to return in series ........................Given the reported grade 2 plantaris injury and Ibaka's lessening in swelling, he does have a slight chance to play if the Thunder were to advance to the NBA Finals, though I still think reports of a possible return to the conference finals remain optimistic at best.