Spurs dispose Thunder, advance to second straight NBA Finals
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 01 Jun 2014
CHICAGO -- Tim Duncan turned back the clock Saturday night when the San Antonio Spurs closed out the Western Conference Finals series 4-2 following a thrilling 112-107 overtime win over the OKC Thunder in Game 6 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Duncan, a 2-time MVP and 4-time NBA champion, finished with 19 points, including a tough fade away jumper that gave the Spurs a 110-107 cushion with just 19.4 ticks left in overtime. Duncan, a 14-time All-Star also had 15 rebounds in 39 minutes of play.
"We wanted it badly. I was afraid we gave it away there late. It's unbelievable to regain the focus (after last season's loss). We've got four more to win and we'll do it this time," Duncan told David Aldridge of TNT Sports during the post game interview.
The Spur's win catapults them to a second straight NBA Finals appearance, setting up a rematch with the two defending champions Miami Heat, who beat them in seven games last June.
The 2014 NBA Finals begin on June 5 (June 6 in Manila). The Spurs will host Games 1,2,5 and 7 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio while the Heat will host Games 3,4 and 6 at the American Airlines Arena.
Boris Diaw had a big hand in eliminating the Spurs as the veteran forward drilled 26 points on 8-for-14 shooting from the field. Kawhi Leonard finished with 17 and 11 boards while Manu Ginobili added 15.
The Spurs, who shot 38 of 94 from the field (40.4 percent), missed the services of Tony Parker, who sat out the second half with ankle soreness. Parker played only for 18 minutes and 52 seconds and logged 8 points.
After trailing 49-42 at the half, San Antonio turned the tables with a 37-20 third quarter barrage. The Spurs squandered a 12-point fourth quarter lead but held steady in overtime, fending off the rallying Thunder, 11-6.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook combined for 65 points to lead the Thunder, but they also combined for 14 turnovers. Reggie Jackson was solid with 21 points while Serge Ibaka came through with 16 and 4 blocks, but the Thunder bench got only 5 points, all from veteran Derek Fisher. (Homer D. Sayson)
Photo: Boris Diaw had 26 points in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals where the Spurs eliminated the OKC Thunder in overtime, 112-107, to advance to the NBA Finals for the second year in a row.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Marcial-Colmenares Middleweight Bout Steals Show at Thrilla in Manila 50th Year (Part 2 of 2)
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 05 Nov 2025Brown vs. Seldin for the WBA Super Lightweight Interim World Title
Wed, 05 Nov 2025FRANCIS LAFRENIÈRE MAKES COMEBACK NOV 29
Wed, 05 Nov 2025OLYMPIC MEDALIST YUBERJEN MARTINEZ INKS WITH ALL STAR BOXING
Wed, 05 Nov 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 3 November 2025: Mayer Outpoints Spencer to Unify 154 Belts; Buatsi's Controversial Win Over Parker; Pero Outpoints Thompson; Thrilla in Manila at 50 Results
By Eric Armit, Tue, 04 Nov 2025Marcial-Colmenares Middleweight Bout Steals Show at Thrilla in Manila 50th Year (Part 1)
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 04 Nov 2025MATCHROOM BOXING ANNOUNCES HISTORIC ‘LIVE FROM GHANA’ EVENT FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 AS CRAIG RICHARDS AND DAN AZEEZ COLLIDE IN ACCRA – LIVE WORLDWIDE ON DAZN
Tue, 04 Nov 2025Bryce Mills Defeats James Bernadin By Unanimous Decision
Mon, 03 Nov 2025NBA Daily: Wembanyama Struggles as Suns Give Spurs First Loss 130-118
By Reylan Loberternos, Mon, 03 Nov 2025Oklahoma City Thunder the only undefeated NBA Team
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 03 Nov 2025RP Blu Boys Close Out Strong with Unbeaten Record in Japan Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 03 Nov 2025Pero Outlasts Thompson in Orlando, Secures Unanimous Decision Victory
Mon, 03 Nov 2025Jonas Magpantay Crowned Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Champion
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 03 Nov 2025Jonas Magpantay reaches Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Finals
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 02 Nov 2025Pistons defeated Mavericks in NBA Game 34 in Mexico
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 02 Nov 2025