Thunder roll to series victory against Dallas
Westbrook’s game hits a new level after rivals try to crack him
los angeles — Before the Dallas Mavericks tipped off in a crucial playoff game on Monday, team owner Mark Cuban decided to add a little spice to an already burning series with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The outspoken Cuban told reporters that Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook was just an All Star and not a superstar.
For most players, the comment would just be background noise. For someone like Westbrook, it was lighter fluid for an already burning motor.
Westbrook helped end the Mavericks’ season, leading the Thunder to an 118-104 victory in Game 5 of the Western Conference firstround playoff series at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Westbrook was asked after the game to respond to Cuban’s comments. Thunder team mate Kevin Durant jumped in with an assist. “He’s an idiot,” Durant said of Cuban. “He’s idiot. That’s what we’ve got to say about that. Next question.”
Oklahoma City won the series 4-1 to advance to a Western Conference semifinal against the Spurs. Game 1 will be Saturday at San Antonio.
Westbrook racked up 36 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists Monday, shooting 13-for-23 from the floor. Durant scored 33 points on 11-of-24 shooting to go along with seven rebounds. Steven Adams added 15 points and 10 boards.
“I will tell you this, I’m happy he’s on my team,” Oklahoma City coach Billy Donovan said of Westbrook. “I wouldn’t trade him for anybody. There is no question that Russell Westbrook is one of the best players in this league.”
Dirk Nowitzki paced Dallas with 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting. Dwight Powell came off the bench to score 16 points and grab nine rebounds. Justin Anderson added 14 points in the loss.
“We’re disappointed at the result, obviously,” Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said. “But I thought the effort from our team, from start to finish in this series, was second to none.
“Couldn’t be prouder of the way our guys competed all the way up to the last second in our final game.”
With 7:50 left in the game, Nowitzki cut the Thunder’s lead to 10198. Dallas got the ball back but missed two open 3-pointers that would have tied the game.
Westbrook was fouled and hit a pair of free throws. After Dallas’ J.J. Barea missed a jumper, Westbrook drained another shot to put the Thunder up 105-98.
Oklahoma City’s Andre Roberson came up with a block, and it led to another Westbrook jumper with 5:05 left. The Mavericks’ Raymond Felton finally ended the run with an off-balance bucket. Dallas got the ball back, and Nowitzki drained a 3-pointer from the corner.
Westbrook took a long 3-point attempt that was off target. Roberson got the rebound and scored on a put-back. On their next possession, the Thunder missed three shots but got the rebound each time. Durant finally knocked down a mid-range jumper and was fouled in the process.
Nowitzki was called for a technical foul. The ensuing free throws gave the Thunder an 113-103 lead with 2:49 left. That was enough to put the game and series away.
“I think for us getting a chance to move on is great,” Donovan said. “I think this series made our team better. We dealt with a lot of physical confrontation. I say that in a very positive way.”
Results
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Charlotte 89 Miami 85 (Series tied 2-2)
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Oklahoma City 118 Dallas 104 (Oklahoma City wins series 4-1)