Experience plays a major factor the deeper teams get into the playoffs. Former OKC Thunder big man Serge Ibaka is pulling from his to motivate the Raptors.

Despite the OKC Thunder being out of the playoffs they are still being used as an example for teams still competing. It’s funny because I had this thought after the Bucks took a 2-0 lead over the Raptors following game two. I wondered whether players would cite examples from experience to help motivate their teammates.

The player I was thinking about was former OKC Thunder swat master Serge Ibaka and the series was the 2012 Conference Finals versus the San Antonio Spurs. That was the year all four young stars (Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Serge Ibaka) fell down 0-2 in San Antonio prior to sweeping the next four games. It also represents the one NBA Finals the OKC Thunder participated in and the last year all four stars sported the same jersey.

Sure enough, this was precisely what Serge Ibaka used as inspiration for his Raptors teammates. When asked about it though Kawhi Leonard‘s response was pretty funny. Not known for being very verbose there is an almost humorous delivery in the Klaw’s retort. The video below captures this exchange. It begins around the 4:20 mark.

Kawhi states “yeah, um, he used uh, you know he compared it to when they uh beat us – when the Thunder beat us — when me and Danny was playing on the Spurs. So, we really didn’t like it, we really didn’t like that analogy.” Leonard puts his head down with a soft giggle as the room laughs at what some recognize is a moment where Leonard is showing his witty side.

This is the thing about Kawhi Leonard who is such an enigma to the rest of us and even to most other NBA players. He isn’t in your face, doesn’t seek out the spotlight or even demonstratively show off even though he’s provided more than his fair share of moments (and arguably THE MOMENT) of the postseason. As Thunder fans thankfully that moment did happen so it could erase the other game winner we are all trying to forget about.

Recalling Kawhi Leonard’s opening statements to the Toronto press on Media Day he said “I’m a fun guy”, which left most in attendance slack jawed given there is no palpable evidence. But, it’s in these moments you witness the man. Personally, I think he’s someone who has an intelligent wit as his deadpan delivery to that question showcased.

Leonard – Ibaka relationship:

The other interesting tidbit is based on comments from Danny Green on his “Inside the Green Room” show regarding the relationship of Ibaka and Leonard who are apparently the funniest guys on the team and are buddies. (Note: I linked to the Kyle Lowry show but it may have been another show where the Kawhi Leonard – Serge Ibaka relationship was discussed. And, as a segue for Allen Iverson fans, Lowry discusses how important A.I. is to him and how influential he’s been in his life).

Relevance to the Ibaka- Leonard bond was given credence given Serge got the notorious press-shy Leonard to come on his “How Hungry Are You?” show to eat – well, I won’t spoil it in case you want to see it for yourself – but suffice to say I doubt many people would jump at the chance to try this Ibaka dish. And full disclosure, this is NSFW viewing.

The more impressive part of that taping was how long Ibaka got Leonard to talk and the natural ease which was clear between the two. I learned more about Leonard in those fifteen to twenty minutes than I have in his eight years in the league.

Reminiscing about the 2012 Thunder team:

The key takeaway is it shows just how influential the experiences are that the players go through and carry forward with them. The fact, that OKC Thunder series still resonates with Ibaka and he used it to help motivate his current team speaks to how important that experience was for Serge.

In some ways, there is also a bittersweet effect felt by this given those same four stars are each now either the leader of their teams or key influencers (as in Serge’s case). Hindsight is 20-20, and perhaps there never would’ve been a way financially to keep all four together. But, as the final four teams wage hoops war to earn that gold ball it made me sentimental in recalling just how special that 2012 team was and if not for injuries what could’ve been.

As Serge jokes about on this show he’s doing everything he can to get Leonard to re-sign with Toronto. This also may be a lesson Ibaka learned on the OKC Thunder who witnessed each of the four exit OKC one by one. As I alluded to in the opening, experience is the best teacher.

Years from now, it’s likely that 2012 team will be reflected back upon as being the best team to never win a championship. KD has won his gold ball and may not even be able to play this year anyway, but I’m hoping the Raptors find a way to channel that OKC Thunder 2012 squad to win the East and reach their first NBA finals.

At season start the dream was for a Thunder-Raptors final. Hey – I don’t hide my heart choices very well – but I own them. As for Ibaka, I’m thinking he might want to consider a quote on experience as his tagline for his How Hungry Are You Show – “Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.”

Enjoy your week.