Thunder now 4 wins away for return to the NBA Finals, following 104-98 victory over Clippers.
The last 48 hours for the Clippers have been arguably the toughest span in the careers of both Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. With everything they’ve been dealing with off-the-court this month with the whole Donald Sterling controversy, their time had finally come to an end. After coming seconds short of taking a 3-2 series lead back home on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Clippers were back home to potentially send the series back to Oklahoma City for a game 7.
As we all expected, Los Angeles came out scoring 30 points in the first quarter to take a huge double digit lead. The league’s MVP, Kevin Durant struggled poorly early on in the game going 1-8, but Oklahoma City would get the game to single digits before the half.
Hit the jump for more on the story including video highlight of the game.
Chris Paul did all he could for the Clippers adding in 25 points, 7 boards and 11 dimes following the game 5 choke, but received minimal help from the others outside of Blake Griffin’s 22 points in a foul out effort. Durant would finally heat up in the second half netting five 3-pointers for a game high of 39 points, and lead his team back to the conference finals.
Uncle Jack anticipating @LAClippers vs @okcthunder game 6! pic.twitter.com/KtXLSlMaQt
— OnSMASH (@OnSMASH) May 16, 2014
When Westbrook suffered a right meniscus last year in the opening round, he would have to miss the post-season; but now the Thunder are looking for a return back to the NBA Finals in their one-year layoff. They now face a very tough task against beginning Monday against the defending conference champion San Antonio Spurs.
The Clippers good luck charm pic.twitter.com/b21qxUsFQF
— OnSMASH (@OnSMASH) May 16, 2014
Tony Parker suffered a hamstring injury last night in their close out victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, but should be ready in time for the opener on Monday night. Oklahoma City is still waiting on news regarding their Serge Ibaka who left the game earlier with plantar fasciitis.
The Los Angeles Clippers now look to the off-season to decide whether they want to stand pact with the roster they have or go after a key free agent. The Thunder got key bench contributions Steven Adams and Reggie Jackson in comparison to the Clippers, which should be an indicator to look at upgrading their depth some and add in a more consistent wing player.