Oklahoma City Thunder

The city of Oklahoma City misses Surge Ibaka more than anyone at the current moment. Ibaka, averaging the most blocks per game in the NBA, is a vital force for the Thunder. Without his presence, newly acquired Caron Butler is raising his minutes, and filling them well. But Caron does one thing superbly well, and that is score the basketball. The problem is the Thunder already have the best scorer in the league, the MVP Kevin Durant. With Russell Westbrook also on the court, the one thing the Thunder do not lack is scoring. That's why Ibaka meshed so well with the core group of players OKC has, he is a big man that is not scared of taking hard fouls. He puts his body out there every single night and takes blow after blow, but he protects the rim like it is his own baby. Without him there, the Thunder loose their true identity on defense, a rim blocking close out team that may let you take quality shots, but every shot will be contested with out a doubt. With Ibaka out. Kendrick Perkins and Caron Butler are going to have to figure out how to get energy back into the team. Down 2-0 in the series, they will look to bounce back Sunday at Chesapeake Arena against the San Antonio Spurs.