Russell Westbrook's 40-point night leads Thunder to Game 4 win over Spurs

It was arguably the greatest game of Russell Westbrook's six-year NBA career and probably the best offensive performance of this year's postseason.

Fueled by a 40-point performance from their starting point guard, the Oklahoma City Thunder leveled the Western Conference finals at 2-2 on Tuesday night with a 105-92 win against the San Antonio Spurs.

The game marked the second consecutive contest where the Spurs looked overwhelmed, a testament to the Thunder's well-rounded play on both ends of the floor. Adding to Westbrook's staggering night was a 31-point night from Kevin Durant, who also pitched in with 31 points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals, and one block.

In Serge Ibaka's second game back from a calf injury, the Ibaka Effect was back in full swing yet again as he helped limit the Spurs to only 36 points in the paint while posting nine points, eight rebounds, three blocks, one assist, and one steal. It was the Thunder's seventh consecutive win over the Spurs with Ibaka in their rotation.

When Boris Diaw has the Spurs' best stat line of the night (14 points on 5-of-11 shooting, 10 rebounds, five rebounds, and five steals), it's probably not a good sign.

Star Performer

For an idea of just how impressive Westbrook's night was, consider that he accomplished something that was not seen in 25 years.

Although his scoring total finished three points shy of the 43 points he dropped in the 2012 NBA Finals, it was more than enough against a Spurs team whose starting lineup failed to show up.

By the time Westbrook was replaced by Jeremy Lamb with just over a minute to go in the fourth quarter, he had posted 40 points on 12-of-24 shooting to go with 10 assists, five rebounds, five steals, and one block. He also went a perfect 14-of-14 from the free throw line.

Turning Point

The second quarter saw the Thunder outscore the Spurs by nine points to enter the interval with a 15-point lead.

But it was how Oklahoma City closed out the half that really put a nail in the Spurs' coffin. The Thunder were only up by six midway through the second frame, when they conveniently decided to go on a 22-13 run in the final six minutes.

San Antonio never recovered.

Highlights

Get ready to overdose on Westbrook.

Although he dropped 11 points in the first quarter, Westbrook's highlight from the frame came at the buzzer, when he rejected Patty Mills' three-point attempt.

[Courtesy: CBS Sports]

Fast forward to the second quarter, where Westbrook was picking pockets and throwing down one-handed jams on the fast break.

In the third quarter, two of Westbrook's 13 points in the frame came off a dunk that left Cory Joseph lying on the floor and possibly needing an ambulance.

And of course, Westbrook had to show off his West Coast dance moves after draining a wide-open three-pointer.

Quote of the Game

When Gregg Popovich is on the mic, there should never be any debate regarding the game's best quotes (or lack thereof).

Series at a Glance

Game 1: SAS 122, OKC 105 (Spurs lead series 1-0)
Game 2: SAS 112, OKC 77 (Spurs lead series 2-0)
Game 3: OKC 106 SAS 97 (Spurs lead series 2-1)
Game 4: OKC 105 SAS 92 - (Series tied 2-2)
Game 5: Thursday, May 29 - 9:00 p.m. ET
Game 6: Saturday, May 31 - 8:30 p.m. ET
Game 7*: Monday, June 2 - 9:00 p.m. ET