A surprise comeback from the injured forward, Serge Ibaka, has helped the Oklahoma City Thunder bounce back in the NBA's Western Conference Finals, beating the San Antonio Spurs 106-97 in game three.
Ibaka had been ruled out of the entire post-season with a calf strain and in his absence the Thunder had suffered heavy defeats in the first two games of the best-of-seven series.
However, with their defensive anchor back in the line-up and on their home floor Oklahoma City Thunder stormed to a convincing win.
Ibaka contributed on both ends, scoring 15 points, seven rebounds and four blocks, while Russell Westbrook top-scored with 26 points and the league's MVP, Kevin Durant, scored 25 points and 10 rebounds.
The New Zealander, Steven Adams, also had a solid game for the Thunder with seven points, nine rebounds and four blocks.
Game four is in Oklahoma City on Wednesday.
