I dunno, seemed to me that OKC was a little concerned that their 27 piont lead had shrunk to 12 points with 11 to go in the 4th while playing against the Spurs bench. If anything I'd argue Spurs fans should be more upset/worried that Popovich seemed to be content to concede the game than Thunder fans should be worried that they didn't dominate any harder than they did. I mean if Popovich is really that concerned about saving his starters and doesn't have faith that they could make a difference in turning around that last 12 points of the 27 point deficit, then what chance do they have against a likely rematch with the Heat, especially if this series drags out to its maximum.
talent, drive, and coaching can only do so much to overcome the age of the starters or the inexperience of the bench, as good as that bench might be
I think what Pop did was smart. Their entire bench is confident now. And, they are going to need it. The next game is in SA. They have to only win their home games, where they play differently. Diaw was on, and Joseph showed he could, at least a bit, keep up with Westbrook, who was on fire. Had the SA starters showed up, along with the bench performing like they did (minus Manu), SA would have been in the game. Sadly, they decided to not play like they usually do.
Westbrook played the absolute best game he has ever played. In fact, the last time someone had a performance like that was Jordan in '89. Nobody can deny when Westbrook and Durant are on, they are on. However, they had almost half a game against the SA bench.
I don't think it is all doom and gloom just yet, I could easily see this trading home wins and SA taking it. But, with that said, OKC has a ton of momentum and if they steal this next game in SA, they will win the series in 6. I don't see SA bringing it back to OKC and winning after 3 straight losses.