2016 NBA Playoffs: Thunder advance to face Spurs, Hornets and Blazers tie series in Game 4
[3] Oklahoma City Thunder 118-104 [6] Dallas Mavericks [Oklahoma City clinch series 4-1]
Two-time All-Star Game MVP Russell Westbrook put up a near triple double with 36 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a Game 5 win and ultimately the series.
2014 NBA MVP Kevin Durant contributed a handy 33 points as the Thunder now look ahead to the next challenge of facing the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals.
The duo of Durant (barring Game 2) and Westbrook have been absolutely dominant this series. Here’s a look at their Playoff careers as teammates compared to other great duos in the league:
The Dallas Mavericks tried really hard to take the series back to Texas for Game 6 but they were simply outmatched. They had as many as six players score in double figures and were led by Dirk Nowitzki’s 24 points. Starting center Zaza Pachulia had the most efficient game with his 12 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists.
Also read: 2016 NBA Playoffs: Spurs and Cavaliers advance to next round
Severely undermanned, the fact the Mavericks could pick up one game in the series is a huge achievement. Having to sort of rebuild after DeAndre Jordan went back on his word last summer, Dallas rebounded well to be competitive and make the Playoffs.
The Thunder now travel to San Antonio for Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals on Saturday.
[3] Miami Heat 85-89 [6] Charlotte Hornets [Series tied 2-2]
The tandem of Kemba Walker and Jeremy Lin took the Charlotte Hornets to a home win, forcing the series back to Miami for Game 5. While Lin kept the Hornets in the game during the first half, Walker closed the game making big shots down the stretch every time the Heat looked set to make a comeback.
Miami were down as many as 18 but clawed their way back to within one but eventually their 17 turnovers did them in and the series now becomes a best of 3. Dwyane Wade was one of the very few Heat players that had an efficient night with his 12 points, 10 assists and 7 rebounds.
Other than extending the series, this game was off a lot of significance for Walker and the Hornets. This was Walker’s first 30+ point game in his post-season career. The win also marks the first time the Hornets franchise has won consecutive Playoff games since 2002.
Game 5 will be played in the American Airlines Arena at Miami on Wednesday.
[4] Los Angeles Clippers 84-98 [5] Portland Trailblazers [Series tied 2-2]
With the Los Angeles Clippers focusing their defense on their backcourt, the Portland Trailblazers garnered a win in Game 4 by playing through their role players in Al-Farouq Aminu and Mason Plumlee. Aminu knocked down a career-high 30 points ( 6 three’s) with 10 rebounds while Plumlee (2 points) recorded a double double of 14 rebounds and 10 assists. Plumlee joined some special company with his stat line:
This game was a real messy one, the fact that the Blazers won by 14 points despite committing 17 turnovers (-8) is a testament to that. However, things took a turn for the worse for the Clippers.
While trying to strip Gerald Henderson during a layup Paul fractured his right hand, leaving them game with a cast and sling. If that wasn’t enough, mid-way through the fourth Griffin aggravated his left quad injury and also appeared to have some trouble in his left knee.
No official timetable has been released by the team so far.
Also read: Blazers' guard CJ McCollum named 2015-16 KIA NBA Most Improved Player
The Blazers backcourt didn’t fire all cylinders like Game 3 but made their presence felt driving to the hole regularly and dishing the ball to open shooters. Damian Lillard had 12 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists while CJ McCollum had 19 points on 6 of 13 shooting.
Game 5 will be played in Los Angeles at the Staples Center on Wednesday.