When the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals on Wednesday night, it punched Kendrick Perkins ticket for his third trip to the NBA Finals in five seasons.
Perkins, who was traded by the Boston Celtics to the Thunder last season, appeared in the Finals with the Cs in 2008 and 2010. He won a title with the 2008 squad and, two years later, was forced to sit out of a Game 7 loss to Los Angeles Lakers after suffering a knee injury in Game 6.
Many still speculate what could have been if Perkins had been on the court in the deciding game, including former Celtic Tony Allen.
Shortly after the Thunders victory, he tweeted his support for Perkins and offered his own theory on how the 2010 championship would have played out with the big man.
@aa000G9: If Perk wouldn't of hurt his Knee I would of had 2 Rings" smh" Perk always say Good come 2 Good" Look at him now" FINALS"
Perkins posted four points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block in 28 minutes during the Thunder's series-clinching victory.
The Thunder will face the winner of the Boston Celtics-Miami Heat Eastern Conference Finals series. The Celtics lead the series, 3-2, and will play Game 6 on Thursday at the TD Garden.