The nightmare season for the Oklahoma City Thunder continues, as the latest news surrounding the team is that Serge Ibaka will have to undergo surgery because of his knee soreness. During this year’s campaign, OKC has played large amounts of time without Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, but now they will have to find a way to survive without Ibaka. Even though he isn’t a superstar player like Westbrook or Durant, he is the most important piece for the Thunder’s defense. Everyone remembers how Oklahoma City was crushed by the Spurs in last season’s playoffs when Ibaka was hurt and couldn’t play.
The injury of the big man will surely be a big problem for the Thunder, as the regular season is very close to its end. Furthermore, unlike last year, Oklahoma City is currently fighting for a playoff spot and this injury to Ibaka could be critical. The New Orleans Pelicans are right behind OKC in the standings and are just waiting for Scott Brooks and his men to make a mistake in order to overcome them.
Serge Ibaka is the heart and soul of the Thunder defense, so it will be extremely hard for anyone to fill his shoes while he is out. Steven Adams and Enes Kanter are pretty solid big men, but neither of them is as skillful as Ibaka. Nevertheless, Scott Brooks doesn’t have any other option except to give Adams and Kanter more minutes on the floor. Hopefully, Adams can provide some defensive intensity, while Kanter tries to help on offense.
OKC usually destroys its opponents when Durant, Westbrook and Ibaka are on the floor all together, but this season that hasn’t happened very often. All three of them have been dealing with various injuries and haven’t played a lot of time together. Kevin Durant is expected to return soon and this is definitely good news for the Thunder, but Ibaka will be missed mightily. Oklahoma City needs wins to maintain their eighth spot in the West and the fact that Serge will miss significant time, could be devastating for their playoff hopes.
NBA News: Serge Ibaka will undergo surgery, nightmare season for OKC continues
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