Ibaka and Durant Lead Thunder to Series-Tying Game 4 Win

Serge Ibaka and Kevin Durant's dynamic play was the difference. (Ronald Martinez)

A dynamic duo led the Thunder in Game 4. If you didn't watch the game, you must be thinking it has to be Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. That would be half-right. Durant was as good as ever, but the Spurs defense shut down Westbrook, limiting him to just seven points on 2-10 shooting.

As Game 4 tipped off tonight, the OKC faithful were on their feet and as loud as ever. They knew what this game meant for their team's chances of moving onto the NBA Finals. With a win, the Thunder would level the series at two games a piece headed back to San Antonio. There is just something special about playing in front of your home crowd. I don't know if you have ever experienced this yourself, but players are often propelled to do something they didn't know they were capable of doing. It was that kind of night for Serge Ibaka.

When Ibaka entered the NBA draft from his native Congo, he was as raw a talent as they come. The Thunder saw the promise and potential he had for great things. Many members of the Thunder's current front office are former San Antonio Spurs employees. The Spurs have long been known for their ability to scout very well internationally. Six of the twelve players who played in Game 4 for the Spurs were born overseas. Back to the Thunder. They decided to take a chance on Ibaka's raw talent. This season Ibaka has improved significantly, especially on the defensive end. He led the league in blocks this season averaging 3.65 per game.

Back to tonight. Ibaka found his stride from the onset. He controlled the paint, knocked down mid-range jumpers, and even channeled his inner Dr. J on an explosive cradle slam. Ibaka finished with 26 points, shooting a perfect 11-11 from the field and 4-4 from the charity stripe. His performance is the second most shots made from the field without a miss in NBA playoff history.

In the fourth quarter, the Spurs staged a comeback narrowing the Thunder lead to four. But then it was simply Kevin Durant time. The Spurs simply could not stop him. Over a nine-possession stretch, Durant buried 16 points. With less then a minute left, he beautifully kicked the ball out to James Harden, who drained the three to seal the Thunder's Game 4 win.

It's all level headed back to San Antonio. The Spurs who seemed unbeatable have now lost two in a row. The Thunder have all the momentum and energy in their sails. Thabo Sefolosha has basically shut down Tony Parker the past two games. The Spurs motion offense has suffered as a result. However, I am pretty sure Gregg Popovich still has a few more tricks up his sleeve as he orchestrates the Spurs. Game 5 tips off Monday night at nine. Both teams will be ready, looking to gain the upper hand in this hard fought battle.