FMC: Serge Ibaka of the Thunder

I know there are numerous candidates for this week’s FMC, many of whom posted fantastic individual efforts on Wednesday night. Though I contemplated a hockey hero or a diamond star, I turned back to the court after watching several fantastic games.

The Heat took down the 76ers in the first game of the night to set up a highly-anticipated series with the Celtics.

The Spurs then needed a miracle shot from Gary Neal to force overtime. Tony Parker, who struggled early in the game, found his stroke in the fourth quarter to help the effort.

And then, there was the nightcap. The Oklahoma City Thunder sought to close out their series against the Denver Nuggets in front of the home crowd. It was a rough, physical game that included a number of heroic efforts. Most will turn to the huge offensive production put forth by Kevin Durant and heap praises upon him. I certainly don’t blame them, as Durant was his normally dominant self.

However, for this week’s FMC award, I’m offering a one-man clap for his teammate, Serge Ibaka. Ibaka scored a single point in Wednesday’s series-clincher (Durant had 41), but dominated the glass with eight rebounds while rejecting nine shots. That’s right. He swatted away nine shots and redirected countless others to aid the cause. Today, we salute the defense.