Rockets oust Westbrook’s Thunder; Spurs take 3-2 lead
Houston ousts OKC
HOUSTON (AP) — James Harden had 34 points and his supporting cast helped Houston overcome a 47-point game by Russell Westbrook to get a 105-99 victory over Oklahoma City on Tuesday night to advance to the NBA's Western Conference semifinals. The Thunder head home a year after advancing to the Western Conference finals after Houston took this series 4-1. The Rockets used a 5-1 run, with all their points coming on free throws, to pull away from the Thunder and make it 98-91. Victor Oladipo threw a pass about 5 feet above Westbrook's head and out of bounds on the next possession and Harden made a layup on the other end with about 3 minutes left. The Rockets began eating up the clock after that and Oklahoma City missed shot after shot that could have closed the gap. Houston couldn't add to its lead though and the Thunder cut it to 4 points twice in the final seconds, with the second one coming on a basket by Alex Abrines. But Harden made two free throws both times they got close to secure the win.
SPURS 116, GRIZZLIES 103
In San Antonio, Kawhi Leonard had 28 points and San Antonio rebounded from two discouraging road losses to beat Memphis and take a 3-2 lead in their first-round series.
San Antonio shot 14 for 28 on 3-point attempts, two off its postseason record, including 5-for-7 shooting by Patty Mills.
Mills finished with 20 points and Tony Parker added 16.
Mike Conley had 26 points and Marc Gasol added 17 for the Grizzlies, who have lost nine straight postseason games in San Antonio.
JAZZ 96, CLIPPERS 92
In Los Angeles, Gordon Hayward scored 27 points, Utah controlled the paint, and the Jazz beat the Los Angeles Clippers to take a 3-2 lead in their first-round series.
Hayward returned after missing most of Utah's win in Game 4 because of food poisoning.
Chris Paul's 3-pointer drew the Clippers within two with 5 seconds left. After George Hill hit two free throws, Paul struggled getting the ball under control near the sideline and couldn't do anything as time expired.