OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Thunder used a younger, quicker lineup to cause turnovers, score fast break points, and run away from the San Antonio Spurs in a 105-92 win in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals on Tuesday night at Chesapeake Arena.
The win ties the series at two games apiece, and shows OKC is a threat to once again rally from a 2-0 series deficit to beat the Spurs, just as they did in the 2012 Western finals.
After the Spurs scored the first eight points of the game, the Thunder went on an 11-4 run to cut San Antonio’s lead to one.
OKC then closed the first quarter on a 13-2 run, sparked by the early play of Russell Westbrook, who finished with 40 points, 10 assists, 5 steals and 5 rebounds.
Late in the quarter, Westbrook hit a three-pointer, then blocked a three-point attempt by Patty Mills to end the quarter with OKC up 26-20.
An 8-0 early in the second quarter, finished off with a Serge Ibaka slam off a Thunder steal, gave OKC their first double digit lead.
The lead grew to 15 points at halftime, led by the Thunder’s ability to cause turnovers and score fast break points. 
OKC outscored the Spurs 21-0 on fast break points for the game, and outscored San Antonio 21-11 in points off turnovers.
The Thunder had just seven turnovers, while the Spurs had 13.
Whatever doubt there was about the outcome was put away early in the third quarter, with the Thunder going on a 12-0 run to build a 27-point lead.
Kevin Durant scored 31 points and added 5 rebounds and 5 assists, but was the only other Thunder player besides Westbrook to score in double figures.
Serge Ibaka’s numbers were not as good as in Game 3, but he played well again, with 9 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocked shots.
Kendrick Perkins had 10 rebounds, as OKC outrebounded the Spurs 42-41.
The Thunder shot 49 percent from the field and held San Antonio to just 40 percent.
The Spurs rallied with an 18-5 run late in the third quarter, and got the Thunder lead down to 12, but OKC held them off down the stretch, with most of the San Antonio starters on the bench.
Reggie Jackson started once again for the Thunder, but played just 13 minutes due to rolling his ankle and finished with 3 points.
Jeremy Lamb came off the bench and had 7 points.
Thabo Sefolosha once again did not play, just as in Game 3 when Jackson started in his place.
The Spurs were led by Tony Parker and Boris Diaw’s 14 points each.
Diaw added 10 rebounds.
Tim Duncan had just 9 points and Manu Ginobili 5 points.
The series moves back to San Antonio for Game 5 Thursday night at 8 p.m.
