OKLAHOMA CITY – Serge Ibaka could fix some of the Thunder's problems against the San Antonio Spurs if he returns on Sunday.
The 6-foot-10 defensive stalwart strained his left calf in the series-clinching Western Conference semifinal win over the Los Angeles Clippers. The Thunder said they expected Ibaka to be out for the playoffs, then changed course Friday and declared him day-to-day.
Ibaka led the NBA in blocks this season, but his return would not fully solve Oklahoma City's problems defending the perimeter. San Antonio has made 18 of 40 3-pointers in the series and its guards have successfully attacked the basket, helping the Spurs win the first two games by a combined 52 points.
The Thunder say they were not themselves in the first two games and say they already have moved on.
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