Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka had a solid season this year, unquestionably the best of his career. But so far, Ibaka has yet to have the same success in the playoffs. The Thunder edged out a 93-91 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in game one, but they will need Ibaka to step it up this round.
Ibaka reached career-highs in a number of areas during the 2012-2013 season, including points per game (13.2), rebounding (7.7) minutes played (31.1 per game) and shooting percentage (.573). Ibaka even knocked down 20 three pointers during the regular season while blocking three shots per game.
But through the Thunder’s first seven playoffs games Ibaka is only averaging 11.9 points, including a five-point, 1-10 effort against Memphis in the series opener. That performance followed a 4-13 game six against the Houston Rockets.
Without Russell Westbrook available, Oklahoma City will need Ibaka to take on more of a scorer’s role. As great as he is, Kevin Durant can’t do it all alone, and will need contributions from every player in the rotation, especially the remaining core group of Ibaka, Thabo Sefolosha and Kevin Martin.
Ibaka’s offensive game is still a work in progress, but he is able to hit spot up jumpers with consistency as well as finish above the rim in the paint. In order for the Thunder to hold off the Grizzlies on their road to the Western Conference Finals they will need Ibaka to knock down a better percentage of his shot attempts. Ibaka needs to be firing on all cylinders or he will be outplayed by the Thunder’s front court and a big reason for Oklahoma City losing this series.
