Serge Ibaka looked significantly more comfortable Thursday night than he did during an impressive 2009-10 season. His already stout defense, especially his help side rotations, looked improved, he seldom missed a box out, and he seemed generally more aware of where he should be on the offensive end.

All that, plus a developing mid-range offense that looks to be taking strides by the game, helped the second-year pro fill up the box score.

Ibaka finished with 15 points on six of ten shooting, six rebounds, six blocks and an assist in 27 minutes.

“We’re good when he’s defending the basket. Not only does he block, he alters and changes a lot of shots. That’s what makes him unique to our team,” Brooks said, not forgetting the newest aspect to Ibaka’s fast-growing skill set. “He’s becoming a really good shooter, also.”

Ibaka himself said at practice Friday morning that while defensive is still his first priority, his offense is improving.

“I remember in training camp, and in practice, I had [chances] to shoot the ball, and Coach Brooks said, ‘Serge, shoot the ball.’ Coach gave me the confidence to shoot the ball, and my teammates, too,” Ibaka said in significantly more fluent English than a year ago.