(Mark D. Smith/USA TODAY Sports)

Today’s big winner: Serge Ibaka

Serge Ibaka returned to the Oklahoma City Thunder lineup when they needed him most. It appeared to be an act of desperation to start Ibaka in Game 3 after the Thunder declared their third-leading scorer out for the rest of the playoffs a week ago. But down 2-0 to the best team in the NBA, desperation is a suitable mentality.

On Sunday, Ibaka scored 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds in a 106-97 win over the Spurs. Ibaka saved the Western Conference finals for Oklahoma City – if only for a day.

Ibaka provided a necessary spark to a team trudging through this series like extras in The Walking Dead, or Kevin Durant in that Sprint commercial. Game 3 was an awakening, but for how long? Ibaka proved that he could be healthy for a night. Can he go 15 and seven again for at least three more games? Or does anyone think Gregg Popovich won’t be prepared for Ibaka come Game 4?

The Thunder overwhelmed the Spurs Sunday night and Ibaka alleviated the pressure Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have felt the past two games. Ibaka also shut down the Spurs offense in the paint. In Game 1, San Antonio scored 66 points in the paint. Then dropped 54 in Game 2. With Ibaka playing, the Spurs managed just 40 points inside.

But it’s just one game. Emotion was enough to propel Oklahoma City to a Game 3 win. It won’t be enough to win a series over the Spurs.