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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Reggie Jackson will start in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals on Thursday, Thunder head coach Scott Brooks told reporters. Jackson sprained his ankle in the first quarter of Tuesday's Game 4 of the Western Conference finals, and it looked pretty nasty. He returned in the second quarter, though, and started the second half despite a bit of a limp.
Reggie Jackson: "When game time comes, I have no injury." - pic.twitter.com/edTCvuxWfy
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) May 29, 2014
Jackson gave Oklahoma City a boost when inserted into the starting lineup in Game 3 against the San Antonio Spurs, finishing with 15 points on 6-for-13 shooting, plus five assists, four rebounds and a steal. He only managed 13 minutes and three points in Game 4 because of the injury.
The Thunder may have beaten the Spurs comfortably then with Jackson hurt, but they'll likely need have a tougher time in San Antonio if he isn't himself. His shooting and his ability to create are important for their offense, and either Jeremy Lamb or Derek Fisher will have to step up if he's still showing signs of the injury.
Game 5 begins at 9 p.m. ET on TNT.
