2016 NBA Playoffs: Kevin Love powers Cavs into Eastern Conference finals; Durant stars in big win for Thunder
Cleveland Cavaliers 100-99 Atlanta Hawks
In what proved to be a nail-biting contest at the Phillips Arena, the Cleveland Cavaliers prevailed over the Atlanta Hawks by a solitary point to book their place in the Eastern Conference Finals on Sunday night.
Led by a terrific Kevin Love(27 points), who was well supported by LeBron James(21 points), the 2015 runners-up edged the visitors 100-99 to ensure that the packed house at the venue left home with their money's worth.
Kyrie Irving also played a critical role in the triumph, contributing 21 points on the night as the Cavs clinched the tie to book a spot in the finals.
For the Hawks, a combined effort of 34 points from Al Harford and Paul Milsap and 16 points from Thabo Sefolosha didn't prove to be enough as they bowed out of contention for a place in the Finals.
Oklahoma City Thunder 111-97 San Antonio Spurs
The night at the Chesapeake Energy Arena belonged only and only to one man- Kevin Durant. The 27-year-old, now into his 9th season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, powered his way to 41 points on the night as his side beat the San Antonio Spurs 111-97 to level the series at 2-2.
Steven Adams contributed 16 points and Russell Westbrook netted 14 points in what proved to be a one-sided contest in the end.
LaMarcus Aldrige proved to be a bright spot for the Spurs on the night with 20 points, but it didn’t prove to be enough as the Thunder rocketed home to a 14-point win.