Thunder Struggle against Spurs, Despite Late Rally

The Oklahoma City Thunder looked to bounce back from a disappointing loss Sunday, but Monday’s match up against the Spurs proved to be too much, despite a late-game rally.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:35 am

By: News On 6

Thunder Struggle against Spurs, Despite Late Rally

Originally Published: Mar 22, 2010 8:19 PM CDT

Stephany Speck
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Anytime Oklahoma City faces San Antonio, it’s a close game, but the Thunder’s late-game rally wasn’t enough to fend off the Spurs.

The series stands in favor of San Antonio at 3-1 after Monday’s 99-96 game, and with San Antonio hot on its heels in the conference standings, games are beginning to carry more weight.

The Thunder was coming off an ugly Sunday loss against the Indiana Pacers, coming out with vengeance, ready to redeem itself in front of a home crowd.

Kevin Durant scored 15 points in the first quarter alone Monday night, the same amount he ended with in Sunday’s game against Indiana.

Following the Thunder’s 121-101 loss, Durant apologized to both the team’s fans and his fellow players. He told his teammates he was ‘disgraced’ with how he played and how the team came out.

Despite matching his season-high with 45 points, Durant’s performance wasn’t enough against the experienced, tough Spurs.

Oklahoma City took a quick lead, holding a three-point margin by halftime. The team appeared to have found its rhythm, but the Spurs weren’t going to leave without a fight.

Jeff Green found himself in foul trouble as the third quarter began, earning his third foul in the first minute of the quarter.

Two-and-a-half minutes into the quarter, Russell Westbrook was also benched, having earned his fourth foul.

Just two minutes later, the referee again blew his whistle at Green, as the forward found himself tangled up under the basket with the Spurs’ Antonio McDyess.

While the Thunder held a 14-point advantage in the first half, the Spurs regained control to carry a five-point lead at the end of the third quarter.

The Thunder struggled to recover in the fourth, unable to grasp the lead it once had.

Along with his 45 points, Durant ended with eight rebounds. Westbrook had four assists and four rebounds, adding 12 points for the Thunder. Green ended the night with 16 points and six rebounds, despite also earning five fouls for Oklahoma City.

The Thunder hosts Houston in the second game of its four-game homestand.