Parker and Leonard sceptical of news that Ibaka is ruled out for rest of post-season.
The San Antonio Spurs are sceptical about the news that Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka will miss the rest of the post-season with a calf injury.
Ibaka suffered a Grade 2 strain of the plantaris during the Thunder’s series-clinching win on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Clippers, and the organisation conceded that because the injury takes time to heal and strengthen, he would likely miss the rest of the campaign.
However, the Spurs remain sceptical and will only believe the news if the Spanish star doesn’t take to the court on Monday night in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
“I don’t really believe it,” point guard Tony Parker told reporters Sunday. “I’ll believe when I see tomorrow he is not on the court. It’s hard to believe. We’ll see.”
Kawhi Leonard added: “We’re still not sure if he’s going to play or not, but it doesn’t matter.”
Ibaka averaged 12.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 13 playoffs games and while he notched some career highs in scoring and rebounds during the regular season, his importance on both ends of the court will likely be sorely missed by the Thunder.
Oklahoma City swept its four regular-season meetings with the Spurs, but Gregg Popovich isn’t concerned with any of the distractions as he insists that his team will adjust to whoever takes to the court on Monday.
Meanwhile, San Antonio received a significant boost of their own with news that Parker is “feeling better” and is expected to start in Game 1 after sustaining a hamstring injury which forced him to leave his last game against the Portland Trail Blazers in the first half.
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