NEW YORK: The Oklahoma City Thunder were dealt a severe blow ahead of their Western Conference finals against the San Antonio Spurs with the news that forward Serge Ibaka is likely to miss the rest of the play-offs due to a calf injury.
Ibaka had a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan on his left calf and is “expected to miss the remainder of the 2014 postseason,” the Thunder said in a statement.
The 24-year-old suffered the injury during the third quarter of Thursday’s 104-98 series-clinching win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
“We are obviously disappointed for Serge, as he is a tremendous competitor, and we know how badly he wants to be on the court with his teammates,” said Thunder General Manager Sam Presti.
wIbaka, who is known for his shot-blocking skills, has been averaging 12.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.23 blocks per game during the play-offs. REUTERS
