Serge Ibaka Out For The Remainder Of The Postseason

Serge Ibaka left the court in Game 6 against the Los Angeles Clippers due to a calf injury, leaving his status in doubt in the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. However, the Oklahoma City Thunder finally provided an update regarding Ibaka's injury status. The Thunder stated on Twitter:

News: MRI confirms Serge Ibaka suffered left calf injury during last night's game. He is expected to miss remainder of the 2014 postseason.

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) May 16, 2014

Serge Ibaka was barely able to make an impact in Game 6 as he left the court with 6 points and 2 rebounds in 26 minutes. In the series, he absolutely made an impact on the court as he averaged 12.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks a game.

Although the Thunder succeeded in coming out victorious despite the departure of Ibaka in Game 6 against the Clippers, the Thunder will most likely be in a difficult situation if Ibaka surely misses the Western Conference Finals. He is one of the best defensive players on the team and he was probably key in Scott Brooks' plan to defend Splitter and Duncan. Above all, with the absence of Ibaka, the Thunder players will face a lot of pressure, especially Durant and Westbrook. The occurrence of the injury will dent the Thunder's hopes of advancing to the NBA Finals.

From the Thunder press release:

“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 Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti. “At this point it is important that our team directs its concentration and energy towards preparation and execution for our upcoming series. As with all teams, our group has confronted different challenges. It is our collective experience that we will call on to ensure that we play to our capabilities.”