Lately, Ibaka has been on a tear, providing a glimpse of his potential to be a game-changer in all facets, on both ends.
Four of Ibaka's six double-doubles have come in the past 10 games. Over that span, Ibaka has averaged 14.9 points and 10.9 rebounds.
In the first 22 games, Ibaka averaged 14 points and 7.4 rebounds.
The bump in Ibaka's rebounding numbers stemmed from Thunder coach Scott Brooks, who in recent days inspired Ibaka to be more aggressive on the glass. Thus far, the results are most readily seen in Ibaka's offensive rebounding numbers. He's averaging 3.8 offensive rebounds over the past 10 games compared to 2.3 in the first 22.
That 3.8 average would rank Ibaka sixth among all players.
“He's always been a pretty good defensive rebounder,” Brooks said. “But this year we've challenged him. And give him credit, he's locking in on the offensive side of the rebounds.
“He has quickness, he has strength and he has the jumping ability to get offensive rebounds. But you just have to go every time... I think now he's going every time and they're adding up. He has the ability to be our best offensive rebounder along with his defensive rebounds.”
Ibaka's recent rebound rate perhaps provides the blueprint for how he might someday reach his still unfathomable ceiling.
Though he's polished his post game, mid-range jumper and 3-point shot, Ibaka still must take a backseat on offensive to Durant, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Martin. But as we've seen over the past three weeks, Ibaka is more than capable making an impact with hustle plays that lead to points off putbacks.
And while pleased with his development, Ibaka still isn't satisfied.
“I work hard. I try to do the best I can,” Ibaka said. “I'm getting better and better. I don't want just to be like people used to know Serge Ibaka four years ago. Now it's my fourth year in the NBA so I'm trying to get better at everything.”
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