Thunder-Rockets Preview

By KRISTIE RIEKEN
Posted Apr 26 2013 7:31PM

HOUSTON (AP) The Houston Rockets could be without starting point guard Jeremy Lin when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 on Saturday night.

The Thunder definitely will be missing their point guard, with All-Star Russell Westbrook out indefinitely with a knee injury that will require surgery.

The Rockets hope Lin can return for the first playoff game in Houston since 2009. He missed practice on Friday due to a bruised chest muscle and is listed as day to day.

The Thunder lead the first-round series 2-0, but the injury to Westbrook, which occurred in the first half of Game 2, could change the complexion of the series. He averaged 24 points and 6 1/2 rebounds this postseason.

It's difficult to know just how Westbrook's absence will change the Thunder since he's never missed a game in his career. But it's probably safe to say superstar Kevin Durant, who is averaging 26.5 points in the series, will have to do even more than usual.

Durant said this will be his biggest challenge as the Thunder's leader.

"I've got faith in myself and our team," Durant said. "I know I can lead us. It's just a matter of me going out there and always being positive with the guys, always being encouraging ... I've been doing it all season. I've just got to rev it up a little bit more."

The Rockets expressed sadness at Westbrook's injury, but know his absence could benefit them.

"It can create a chance for us," Houston's Carlos Delfino said. "You never want anything bad to happen to people ... but we've got to win. If this creates a little window or opens the window a little more for us, that's welcome."

Westbrook, who has a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee, was hurt when rookie Patrick Beverley tried for a steal in the second quarter and ran into his knee.

The Rockets went with a new-look lineup in Game 2 that gave Beverley his first start. Some have questioned whether the play on Westbrook was dirty on Beverley's part, but he insisted he would never try to hurt anyone.

"It's definitely unfortunate," he said. "I was definitely looking forward to playing Westbrook again and to get to battle again."

Beverley gave the Rockets a spark in Game 2, scoring 16 points as Houston bounced back from a blowout loss in the first game, but still fell short in a 105-102 Thunder win.

He knows some blame him for the injury and are trash talking him on Twitter, but said he isn't bothered by it. Beverley has dealt with adversity most of his life. He grew up in a tough neighborhood and wasn't even in the NBA a few months ago, instead playing in Russia.

"It was just hard trying to go to school some mornings growing up, so I can live through some Twitter beef," he said. "I've been in incidents in Europe where guys throw quarters at my face and I've got blood gushing down, so I'm kind of used to it. It wasn't intentional, he knows that and I know that."

Houston coach Kevin McHale loves Beverley's intensity and said he's successful in part because he plays equally as hard whether it's practice or a playoff game.

"He's just a little fighter," McHale said. "That's what you've got to have in our league. If you're going to win the biggest of games, you either better be feisty and tough like he is or just ultra, ultra, ultra talented and be the most talented guy on the floor, and it's hard to be that guy."

The Rockets haven't said whether they'll go with the three-guard lineup that they used in Game 2 on Saturday. But James Harden is hoping they do, saying he believes it's their best lineup and allows them to push the tempo.

Harden, who spent his first three NBA seasons with the Thunder, was upset upon about Westbrook's injury.

"Sad, sad story," Harden said. "That's one of my friends and just to see him out injured when he hadn't missed a game all career is definitely sad."

Harden said Westbrook's being out "changes a lot" and called him the Thunder's engine. Then he raved about backup Reggie Jackson, who'll likely take over for Westbrook in the starting lineup. Jackson, who is in his second year, averaged 5.3 points in the regular season and 7.5 in the first two playoff games.

"Reggie is definitely not a pushover," Harden said. "He's very talented, athletic and he's always going to work on his jump shot. He's going to make plays because he's so athletic. We definitely can't take him lightly at all."

Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks wouldn't say if Jackson would start, but said he was definitely an option. The Thunder also have veteran guard Derek Fisher.

"Everybody's going to have to step up. That's the thing. Not one person," Brooks said. "Whoever I start, that's not going to be that person to play and be Russell Westbrook."

The Rockets are in the postseason after failing to qualify in the last three years. Guard Aaron Brooks is the only current player who was on the roster during Houston's last playoff trip.

McHale believes playing on the road first was a valuable experience for his team, and he's looking forward to seeing how his young team responds in front of what he expects to be an "electric" crowd.

"We're not a perfect team by any stretch of the imagination, but the guys will go out there and they'll fight you for it and that covers a lot of ground when you have guys that are willing to compete," he said.

Copyright 2013 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited

Thunder take 3-0 series lead with 104-101 win

By KRISTIE RIEKEN
Posted Apr 28 2013 1:58AM

HOUSTON (AP) Kevin Durant was in uncharted territory on Saturday night, playing in his first game without friend and teammate Russell Westbrook.

Durant knew it would be different, but vowed to do whatever he could to carry his team through this difficult period.

He delivered on that promise by scoring 41 points and helping Oklahoma City fight off Houston's late rally to beat the Rockets 104-101 for a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven playoff series.

"I didn't feel the same," Durant said. "And I knew I just had to give my all from here on out ... every game is for him."

Durant checked his phone moments after leaving the court and smiled recalling the text messages he received from Westbrook.

"He texted me at halftime and right after the game," Durant said. "Just said congrats and that he loved me."

Durant scored 27 points in the first half, and the Thunder led by 26 points before a big third-quarter rally by the Rockets put them within striking distance.

Houston regained the lead with about 4 minutes left, and was up with less than a minute remaining. But Durant hit a 3-pointer, which bounced off the rim before falling in, to put Oklahoma City on top 100-99.

"We didn't want to give up any 3s," Houston's James Harden said. "He just made a lucky shot. It was good defense. It just went in and took some of the energy out of us."

A turnover by Harden gave the Thunder the ball back and Derek Fisher made two free throws to push the lead to three. Harden made a layup, but Reggie Jackson hit two more free throws after that.

Houston had a last chance, but Carlos Delfino's 3-pointer fell short.

Thunder coach Scott Brooks was impressed that his team was able to win despite losing its All-Star point guard.

"It's been an emotional time the last 48 hours," Brooks said. "We all love what Russell (Westbrook) is about. He's got probably the biggest heart I've ever been around."

Fisher said it was difficult getting through these last couple of days, but the 16-year veteran said he was there to help the younger guys deal with the loss of Westbrook.

"We're still grieving, so to speak, as a team," Fisher said. "But that's why I'm here, and that's why this is a team. Injuries and bad things happen in sports, but we still have to figure out a way to get things done."

Harden scored 30 points for the Rockets in the first playoff game in Houston since 2009. The Rockets will be at home again for Game 4 on Monday night.

Westbrook was injured in Game 2 and had season-ending right knee surgery Saturday. It was the first time Durant had played a pro game without Westbrook, who hadn't missed a game in his career before Saturday.

Durant's 41 points equaled a playoff career high, and he also had 14 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block. He sat down for just 44 seconds on Saturday.

"Kevin has done a great job of being a playmaker all season long," Brooks said. "He's an amazing scorer, and he sets up a lot of guys to get easy buckets."

Jackson made his first career start in place of Westbrook and had 14 points, and Serge Ibaka added 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Chandler Parsons had a tying 3-pointer for Houston with 5:46 left, and Delfino put the Rockets in front for the first time since early in the first quarter when he connected from long range to make it 94-93 about 2 minutes later.

Ibaka made four straight points after that, ending with a reverse layup, to make it 97-94 with about a minute and a half left.

Harden hit a pair of free throws. Then Francisco Garcia's 3-pointer put them up 99-97 with 45 seconds left, before the clutch shot by Durant.

The Rockets rallied from a 15-point deficit to take a lead in the fourth quarter in Game 2. But they weren't able to hold on and Oklahoma City got the 105-102 win.

It was much the same this time, as Houston went up late only to fall again.

"We've got to find a way to win those games," Houston coach Kevin McHale said.

Harden complained that he and his teammates were sluggish and lacked energy early. He knows that won't cut it if they expect to win on Monday.

"We have to have that energy from the beginning of the game to the end of the game," he said. "We can't have droughts. You have to play a solid game for 48 minutes."

Westbrook's absence didn't seem to bother Oklahoma City early, as Durant had the big first half and the Thunder looked to be in complete control.

Things changed in the third quarter when Durant was limited offensively and Houston outscored the Thunder 27-14 in the period.

Houston point guard Jeremy Lin, who bruised a chest muscle in Game 2, started but scored only two points in about 18 minutes.

Parsons scored 21 points, and Garcia had 18.

After a big run got Houston within eight in the third quarter, Garcia and Harden made 3-pointers around a dunk by Durant to whittle the lead to 80-76 entering the last quarter.

Durant was scoreless in the third until his dunk with 27 seconds remaining in the quarter.

The Thunder led by 19 points when the Rockets used a 16-5 surge to get to 78-70 with 2 1/2 minutes left in the third. The Rockets harassed Oklahoma City into three turnovers in that stretch, and Durant went cold as he missed four shots.

NOTES: Garcia and McHale received technical fouls in the first quarter. ... Pitching great Roger Clemens and Houston Texans star receiver Andre Johnson attended the game.

Copyright 2013 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited

Notebook: Thunder 104, Rockets 101

Matt Miller, for NBA.com
Posted Sun Apr 28, 2013 1:45 AM - Updated Sun Apr 28, 2013 1:45 AM

THE FACTS: The Oklahoma City Thunder took a rollercoaster ride to victory in their first game without All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook. The Thunder squandered a 26-point second-quarter lead before Kevin Durant received a friendly bounce on a critical 3-point attempt in the final minute of regulation to help lift Oklahoma City to a 104-101 win over the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series Saturday at Toyota Center.

Durant matched his playoff career high of 41 points and grabbed 14 rebounds for the Thunder, who took a commanding 3-0 lead in the series and will have a chance to complete the sweep Monday in Houston. Serge Ibaka added a double-double of 17 points and 11 boards, seven of which were offensive. Second-year guard Reggie Jackson, making his first career start in place of the sidelined Westbrook, contributed 14 points.

James Harden paced the Rockets with 30 points, eight rebounds and six assists, but he misfired on one-third of his 15 free-throw attempts. Chandler Parsons finished with 21 points on 8-for-12 shooting, seven rebounds and seven boards, while Francisco Garcia exploded for playoff career bests of 18 points, five rebounds and three blocks off the bench.

QUOTABLE: "The Lord was with us. That's all I was thinking. ... I really can't say too much else about that [shot]."
-- Kevin Durant on what went through his head when his 3-point attempt dropped in to give his team the lead for good

THE STAT: The club with more postseason experience won the free-throw shooting battle, as the Thunder knocked down 28-for-30 (93.3 percent) attempts from the charity stripe compared to Houston's 17-for-25 (68.0 percent) performance.

TURNING POINT: After trailing by as many as 26 in the first half and 17 at halftime, the Rockets roared back into the contest behind a valiant defensive effort. Houston held Oklahoma City to 20.0 percent (5-for-25) shooting in the third quarter, setting the stage for a thrilling final period. An Ibaka bucket put the Thunder ahead 97-94 with less than two minutes to play in the fourth period, but Harden and Garcia each scored to give the Rockets a 99-97 advantage. After a timeout, Durant launched a 3-point attempt from the top of the key and got the shooter's bounce to hand Oklahoma City a lead it refused to relinquish.

QUOTABLE II: "This is the second game in a row we feel like we should have won. We feel like we should be up two games to one [in this series]."
-- Chandler Parsons

HOT: Oklahoma City knocked down five of six attempts from behind the arc in the first quarter, including a pair of treys from a locked-in Durant. The potent 3-point shooting stretched the Rockets' defense and forced them to temporarily abandon the 2-3 zone defense that helped them rally late in Game 2.

NOT: In this series, the Thunder have effectively prevented Houston from finding the touch from the perimeter that helped propel it into the playoffs. Including Saturday's 12-for-37 effort, the Rockets have connected on only 27.8 percent (30-for-108) of their 3-point attempts while falling into a 3-0 deficit.

GOOD MOVE: With Jeremy Lin clearly struggling to play with a bruised chest, coach Kevin McHale replaced the third-year point guard with the veteran wing Garcia early in the third quarter. Garcia's presence created more floor spacing for Houston, which shot 8-for-15 as it closed the third period on a 20-7 run that cut its deficit to 80-76.

BAD MOVE: McHale's small lineups paid dividends in Game 2, helping the Rockets produce better scoring opportunities, but it backfired at the beginning of Game 3. The Thunder kept Houston from jump-staring its transition game by terrorizing the Rockets on the glass in the opening period, recording a 13-2 edge on the glass.

QUOTABLE III: "We focused on a couple of areas where we didn't do well last game. We wanted to make sure that we did a good job rebounding, and we did."
-- Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks

NOTABLE: The Thunder announced Saturday afternoon that Westbrook is out for the season after undergoing knee surgery to repair the torn lateral meniscus in his right knee. Westbrook missed a game for the first time in his career, sapping a streak of 439 appearances including the playoffs. ... Lin was unable to battle through his bruised chest injury and did not return to the game after playing the first 4:50 of the second half. ... Durant has netted at least 21 points in 29 consecutive playoff games. Only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Jordan have posted longer streaks of this kind over the last 40 seasons. ... Houston blocked 12 shots, equaling its highest output of the 2012-13 regular season.

UP NEXT: Game 4, 9:30 p.m. EDT Monday @ Houston, Game 5 (if necessary), Wednesday @ Oklahoma City, Game 6 (if necessary), Friday @ Houston.

• Thunder: Orton, Westbrook
• Rockets: Ohlbrecht, White

• Thunder: Ibaka
• Rockets: Garcia, McHale

• Lead Changes: 5
• Times Tied: 2

• Arena: Toyota Center, Houston, TX
• Officials: #17 Joe Crawford, #6 Tony Brown, #19 James Capers
• Attendance: 18163
• Duration: 2:37

Oklahoma City Thunder (61-22)		Houston Rockets (45-38)
Start of 1st Quarter
(12:00) Jump Ball Asik vs Ibaka (Lin gains possession)
	11:41 [HOU 2-0]	Asik Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Parsons (1 AST)
Perkins Foul: Offensive (1 PF)	11:31
Perkins Turnover : Foul (1 TO)	11:31
	11:31	Garcia Technical
Durant Free Throw Technical (1 PTS)	11:31 [OKC 1-2]
	11:12 [HOU 5-1]	Parsons 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Lin (1 AST)
Durant Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Harden (1 ST)	10:46
	10:40 [HOU 7-1]	Harden Driving Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS)
	10:19	Lin Foul: Personal Block (1 PF)
Sefolosha 3pt Shot: Missed	10:04
Ibaka Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)	10:02
Ibaka Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS)	09:59 [OKC 3-7]
	09:44 [HOU 9-3]	Lin Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Beverley (1 AST)
Jackson 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Sefolosha (1 AST)	09:26 [OKC 6-9]
	09:18	Lin 3pt Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	09:17
	09:02	Harden Foul: Personal Block (1 PF)
Durant Jump Shot: Missed	08:52
Ibaka Rebound (Off:2 Def:0)	08:51
	08:51	Harden Foul: Loose Ball (2 PF)
	08:47	Beverley Foul: Personal (1 PF)
Jackson Foul: Offensive Charge (1 PF)	08:29
Jackson Turnover : Foul (1 TO)	08:29
Jackson Foul: Personal (2 PF)	08:23
Jackson Substitution replaced by Fisher	08:23
	08:14	Beverley Layup Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	08:12
Durant Layup Shot: Missed	08:00
Ibaka Rebound (Off:3 Def:0)	07:59
Ibaka Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS)	07:59 [OKC 8-9]
	07:59	Asik Foul: Shooting (1 PF) (1 FTA)
Ibaka Free Throw 1 of 1 (5 PTS)	07:59 [OKC 9-9]
	07:37	Parsons 3pt Shot: Missed
Fisher Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	07:36
Durant Pullup Jump shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Fisher (1 AST)	07:25 [OKC 11-9]
	07:25	Beverley Foul: Shooting (2 PF) (1 FTA)
	07:25	Beverley Substitution replaced by Delfino
Durant Free Throw 1 of 1 (4 PTS)	07:25 [OKC 12-9]
	07:03	Harden Jump Shot: Missed
Perkins Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	07:02
Durant Pullup Jump shot: Made (6 PTS)	06:51 [OKC 14-9]
	06:33	Parsons Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)
Perkins Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS)	06:21 [OKC 16-9]
	06:18	Team Timeout : Regular
	06:04 [HOU 11-16]	Parsons Driving Dunk Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Delfino (1 AST)
Fisher 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Sefolosha (2 AST)	05:40 [OKC 19-11]
	05:32	Delfino 3pt Shot: Missed
Ibaka Rebound (Off:3 Def:1)	05:31
Sefolosha Turnover : Double Dribble (1 TO)	05:23
	05:04	Harden 3pt Shot: Missed
Perkins Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	05:02
Fisher Layup Shot: Missed	04:44
Team Rebound	04:41
	04:41	McHale Technical
Durant Free Throw Technical (7 PTS)	04:41 [OKC 20-11]
Perkins Jump Shot: Missed	04:35
Durant Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)	04:32
Durant 3pt Shot: Made (10 PTS)	04:30 [OKC 23-11]
Fisher Foul: Personal (1 PF)	04:21
Sefolosha Foul: Personal (1 PF)	04:19
	04:10	Delfino 3pt Shot: Missed
	04:08	Team Rebound
Ibaka Foul: Loose Ball (1 PF)	04:08
Ibaka Substitution replaced by Martin	04:08
	03:58	Harden 3pt Shot: Missed
Durant Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	03:57
Durant Pullup Jump shot: Missed	03:49
	03:47	Parsons Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
Perkins Foul: Shooting Block (2 PF) (2 FTA)	03:39
	03:39	Asik Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	03:39	Team Rebound
Perkins Substitution replaced by Collison	03:39
	03:39	Lin Substitution replaced by Beverley
	03:39 [HOU 12-23]	Asik Free Throw 2 of 2 (3 PTS)
Durant Driving Slam Dunk Shot: Made (12 PTS)	03:30 [OKC 25-12]
	03:26	Asik Substitution replaced by Jones
	03:17 [HOU 14-25]	Beverley Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Parsons (2 AST)
Martin Running Jump Shot: Missed Block: Delfino (1 BLK)	03:01
Team Rebound	03:01
Collison Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Martin (1 AST)	02:55 [OKC 27-14]
Fisher Foul: Personal (2 PF) (2 FTA)	02:47
Team Timeout : Regular	02:47
	02:47 [HOU 15-27]	Harden Free Throw 1 of 2 (3 PTS)
	02:47	Harden Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Durant Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	02:47
	02:31	Beverley Foul: Shooting Block (3 PF) (2 FTA)
Collison Free Throw 1 of 2 (3 PTS)	02:31 [OKC 28-15]
	02:31	Beverley Substitution replaced by Lin
Collison Free Throw 2 of 2 (4 PTS)	02:31 [OKC 29-15]
	02:22 [HOU 17-29]	Harden Slam Dunk Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Delfino (2 AST)
Martin 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Sefolosha (3 AST)	02:03 [OKC 32-17]
	01:46	Parsons Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Sefolosha (1 ST)
Sefolosha Layup Shot: Missed	01:39
	01:36	Harden Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	01:29 [HOU 19-32]	Harden Driving Layup Shot: Made (7 PTS)
Durant Driving Slam Dunk Shot: Made (14 PTS)	01:17 [OKC 34-19]
	01:00	Lin Driving Layup Shot: Missed
Durant Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	00:57.8
	00:54.4	Parsons Foul: Shooting (1 PF) (2 FTA)
Martin Free Throw 1 of 2 (4 PTS)	00:54.4 [OKC 35-19]
	00:54.4	Parsons Substitution replaced by Garcia
Martin Free Throw 2 of 2 (5 PTS)	00:54.4 [OKC 36-19]
	00:41.9	Harden 3pt Shot: Missed
Sefolosha Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	00:39.9
Durant 3pt Shot: Made (17 PTS)	00:31.9 [OKC 39-19]
	00:08.9	Lin Jump Shot: Missed
Sefolosha Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	00:07.8
Sefolosha Turnover : Lost Ball (2 TO) Steal:Delfino (1 ST)	00:02.8
End of 1st Quarter
Oklahoma City Thunder (61-22)		Houston Rockets (45-38)
Start of 2nd QuarterBack to Top
Durant 3pt Shot: Made (20 PTS) Assist: Liggins (1 AST)	11:43 [OKC 42-19]
	11:25	Delfino Jump Shot: Missed
	11:24	Garcia Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)
	11:22	Garcia Layup Shot: Missed Block: Collison (1 BLK)
Collison Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	11:21
Collison Layup Shot: Missed Block: Asik (1 BLK)	11:09
Collison Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	11:07
Collison Layup Shot: Missed Block: Asik (2 BLK)	11:07
Team Rebound	11:07
Fisher Jump Shot: Made (5 PTS)	11:00 [OKC 44-19]
	10:54	Parsons Foul: Offensive Charge (2 PF)
	10:54	Parsons Turnover : Foul (3 TO)
Durant Pullup Jump shot: Missed	10:40
	10:38	Garcia Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
	10:31	Delfino Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Martin (1 ST)
Liggins Layup Shot: Missed Block: Garcia (1 BLK)	10:25
	10:24	Team Rebound
Liggins Foul: Loose Ball (1 PF)	10:24
	10:10 [HOU 21-44]	Parsons Driving Layup Shot: Made (7 PTS)
Fisher Foul: Shooting (3 PF) (1 FTA)	10:10
Fisher Substitution replaced by Jackson	10:10
	10:10 [HOU 22-44]	Parsons Free Throw 1 of 1 (8 PTS)
Martin 3pt Shot: Missed	09:56
	09:55	Delfino Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	09:49	Parsons Turnover : Lost Ball (4 TO) Steal:Durant (1 ST)
Martin Layup Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Durant (1 AST)	09:44 [OKC 46-22]
	09:38	Garcia 3pt Shot: Missed
Liggins Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	09:37
	09:37	Asik Foul: Personal (2 PF)
	09:37	Delfino Substitution replaced by Harden
Jackson Jump Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Martin (2 AST)	09:27 [OKC 48-22]
	09:19	Team Timeout : Regular
	09:19	Lin Substitution replaced by Brooks
	09:05	Brooks 3pt Shot: Missed
	09:04	Team Rebound
	08:52	Parsons 3pt Shot: Missed
Collison Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	08:50
Collison Jump Shot: Missed	08:36
	08:35	Asik Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	08:28 [HOU 24-48]	Brooks Driving Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS)
	08:08	Asik Foul: Shooting (3 PF) (2 FTA)
Martin Free Throw 1 of 2 (8 PTS)	08:08 [OKC 49-24]
	08:08	Asik Substitution replaced by Jones
Martin Free Throw 2 of 2 (9 PTS)	08:08 [OKC 50-24]
	07:53 [HOU 26-50]	Brooks Floating Jump shot: Made (4 PTS)
Durant Jump Shot: Missed Block: Garcia (2 BLK)	07:33
	07:31	Harden Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	07:25	Parsons 3pt Shot: Missed
Jackson Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	07:23
Durant Driving Layup Shot: Missed	07:17
	07:15	Jones Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	07:10 [HOU 29-50]	Garcia 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Brooks (1 AST)
Team Timeout : Regular	07:04
Martin 3pt Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Jackson (1 AST)	06:50 [OKC 53-29]
	06:43 [HOU 31-53]	Parsons Layup Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Brooks (2 AST)
	06:23	Brooks Foul: Shooting (1 PF) (2 FTA)
Jackson Free Throw 1 of 2 (6 PTS)	06:23 [OKC 54-31]
Liggins Substitution replaced by Sefolosha	06:23
Collison Substitution replaced by Ibaka	06:23
Jackson Free Throw 2 of 2 (7 PTS)	06:23 [OKC 55-31]
	06:10 [HOU 33-55]	Garcia Driving Layup Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Harden (1 AST)
	06:00	Garcia Foul: Shooting (1 PF) (2 FTA)
Durant Free Throw 1 of 2 (21 PTS)	06:00 [OKC 56-33]
Durant Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed	06:00
	06:00	Jones Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	05:41 [HOU 35-56]	Garcia Jump Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Harden (2 AST)
Jackson Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO)	05:26
	05:06	Harden Jump Shot: Missed Block: Sefolosha (1 BLK)
	05:04	Harden Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
	05:02	Harden Driving Layup Shot: Missed Block: Ibaka (1 BLK)
Sefolosha Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	05:00
Ibaka Jump Shot: Made (7 PTS)	04:49 [OKC 58-35]
	04:32	Jones Jump Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	04:31
Jackson 3pt Shot: Missed	04:17
Ibaka Rebound (Off:4 Def:1)	04:16
	04:16	Jones Foul: Shooting (1 PF) (2 FTA)
Ibaka Free Throw 1 of 2 (8 PTS)	04:16 [OKC 59-35]
Ibaka Free Throw 2 of 2 (9 PTS)	04:16 [OKC 60-35]
	04:08 [HOU 38-60]	Garcia 3pt Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Parsons (3 AST)
Durant 3pt Shot: Missed	03:45
	03:43	Brooks Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	03:36	Garcia Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Sefolosha (2 ST)
Jackson 3pt Shot: Missed	03:25
	03:24	Garcia Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
	03:16	Harden 3pt Shot: Missed
	03:15	Team Rebound
Martin Foul: Loose Ball (1 PF)	03:15
	03:07 [HOU 41-60]	Parsons 3pt Shot: Made (13 PTS) Assist: Harden (3 AST)
Team Timeout : Short	03:02
Jackson Turnover : Bad Pass (3 TO) Steal:Brooks (1 ST)	02:42
	02:32	Brooks Step Back Jump shot: Missed
Durant Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)	02:31
Ibaka Jump Shot: Missed Block: Harden (1 BLK)	02:24
	02:23	Jones Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
Ibaka Foul: Shooting (2 PF) (2 FTA)	02:19
Ibaka Technical	02:19
	02:19
	02:19 [HOU 42-60]	Harden Free Throw Technical (8 PTS)
	02:19 [HOU 43-60]	Harden Free Throw 1 of 2 (9 PTS)
	02:19 [HOU 44-60]	Harden Free Throw 2 of 2 (10 PTS)
	02:04	Garcia Foul: Personal (2 PF) (2 FTA)
Durant Free Throw 1 of 2 (22 PTS)	02:04 [OKC 61-44]
Durant Free Throw 2 of 2 (23 PTS)	02:04 [OKC 62-44]
	01:50	Brooks Jump Bank Shot: Missed
	01:49	Jones Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)
	01:49 [HOU 46-62]	Jones Putback Dunk Shot: Made (2 PTS)
Sefolosha 3pt Shot: Missed	01:25
	01:23	Garcia Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)
	01:17	Brooks 3pt Shot: Missed
Durant Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)	01:15
Durant Turnaround Jump Shot: Made (25 PTS)	01:04 [OKC 64-46]
	00:51.1 [HOU 48-64]	Harden Driving Layup Shot: Made (12 PTS)
Durant Driving Layup Shot: Made (27 PTS)	00:33.4 [OKC 66-48]
Durant Foul: Shooting (1 PF) (2 FTA)	00:11.9
	00:11.9	Harden Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	00:11.9	Team Rebound
	00:11.9 [HOU 49-66]	Harden Free Throw 2 of 2 (13 PTS)
End of 2nd Quarter
Oklahoma City Thunder (61-22)		Houston Rockets (45-38)
Start of 3rd QuarterBack to Top
Durant Turnover : Traveling (2 TO)	11:45
	11:35	Lin 3pt Shot: Missed
Sefolosha Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)	11:34
	11:25	Beverley Foul: Shooting (4 PF) (2 FTA)
Jackson Free Throw 1 of 2 (8 PTS)	11:25 [OKC 67-49]
Jackson Free Throw 2 of 2 (9 PTS)	11:25 [OKC 68-49]
	11:16	Lin Driving Layup Shot: Missed
Perkins Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	11:14
Ibaka Jump Shot: Missed	11:02
	11:02	Harden Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)
Perkins Foul: Shooting (3 PF) (2 FTA)	10:53
	10:53 [HOU 50-68]	Asik Free Throw 1 of 2 (4 PTS)
	10:53 [HOU 51-68]	Asik Free Throw 2 of 2 (5 PTS)
Ibaka Turnaround Jump Shot: Missed	10:33
	10:31	Asik Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	10:24 [HOU 54-68]	Harden 3pt Shot: Made (16 PTS) Assist: Parsons (4 AST)
Jackson 3pt Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Durant (2 AST)	10:09 [OKC 71-54]
	09:49	Beverley 3pt Shot: Missed
Sefolosha Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)	09:48
Ibaka Slam Dunk Shot: Made (11 PTS) Assist: Perkins (1 AST)	09:33 [OKC 73-54]
	09:16	Harden Jump Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	09:14
Ibaka Layup Shot: Missed Block: Harden (2 BLK)	09:03
	09:01	Asik Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	08:55	Lin Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Durant (2 ST)
Perkins Jump Shot: Missed Block: Asik (3 BLK)	08:38
Perkins Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	08:36
Ibaka Jump Shot: Missed	08:33
	08:31	Asik Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)
	08:25	Beverley Layup Shot: Missed
Durant Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)	08:23
Jackson Driving Dunk Shot: Missed	08:13
Sefolosha Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)	08:11
Sefolosha 3pt Shot: Missed	08:00
	07:59	Beverley Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
Sefolosha Foul: Personal (2 PF)	07:59
	07:44 [HOU 56-73]	Parsons Floating Jump shot: Made (15 PTS) Assist: Beverley (2 AST)
Durant Jump Shot: Missed	07:21
	07:19	Parsons Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	07:11	Beverley 3pt Shot: Missed
	07:10	Asik Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)
Durant Foul: Personal (2 PF)	07:10
	07:10	Lin Substitution replaced by Garcia
	07:04 [HOU 58-73]	Beverley Driving Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS)
Durant 3pt Shot: Missed	06:38
Ibaka Rebound (Off:5 Def:1)	06:36
Sefolosha 3pt Shot: Missed	06:30
Ibaka Rebound (Off:6 Def:1)	06:29
Ibaka Putback Dunk Shot: Made (13 PTS)	06:29 [OKC 75-58]
	06:16 [HOU 60-75]	Garcia Step Back Jump shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Harden (4 AST)
Durant Turnover : Lost Ball (3 TO) Steal:Harden (2 ST)	06:04
	05:58 [HOU 62-75]	Beverley Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Harden (5 AST)
Team Timeout : Regular	05:58
Jackson Substitution replaced by Fisher	05:58
Durant Step Back Jump shot: Missed	05:42
	05:40	Harden Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)
	05:20	Harden Jump Shot: Missed Block: Fisher (1 BLK)
Ibaka Rebound (Off:6 Def:2)	05:18
Durant Turnover : Lost Ball (4 TO) Steal:Parsons (1 ST)	05:05
	04:57	Garcia 3pt Shot: Missed
Sefolosha Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)	04:55
Sefolosha 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Durant (3 AST)	04:37 [OKC 78-62]
	04:18 [HOU 64-78]	Harden Driving Layup Shot: Made (18 PTS)
Durant Jump Shot: Missed Block: Asik (4 BLK)	04:05
	04:03	Harden Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)
Perkins Foul: Shooting (4 PF) (2 FTA)	04:00
	04:00 [HOU 65-78]	Parsons Free Throw 1 of 2 (16 PTS)
Perkins Substitution replaced by Martin	04:00
	04:00	Parsons Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Sefolosha Rebound (Off:1 Def:7)	03:58
Martin Jump Shot: Missed	03:37
	03:35	Parsons Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	03:20 [HOU 67-78]	Harden Driving Layup Shot: Made (20 PTS)
Ibaka Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Garcia (1 ST)	03:15
	03:11	Garcia Layup Shot: Missed Block: Durant (1 BLK)
Durant Rebound (Off:1 Def:7)	03:09
	03:06	Garcia Foul: Personal (3 PF)
Ibaka Substitution replaced by Collison	03:06
	03:06	Asik Substitution replaced by Jones
Collison Layup Shot: Missed	02:57
	02:56	Parsons Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)
	02:50 [HOU 69-78]	Parsons Driving Layup Shot: Made (18 PTS)
Martin Layup Shot: Missed Block: Parsons (1 BLK)	02:36
	02:34	Beverley Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
Sefolosha Foul: Shooting (3 PF) (2 FTA)	02:31
	02:31	Team Timeout : Regular
	02:31 [HOU 70-78]	Harden Free Throw 1 of 2 (21 PTS)
	02:31	Harden Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Collison Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	02:31
Martin Jump Shot: Missed	02:13
	02:12	Jones Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)
	02:05	Harden Step Back Jump shot: Missed
Durant Rebound (Off:1 Def:8)	02:03
Durant Pullup Jump shot: Missed	01:58
	01:56	Harden Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)
	01:50	Parsons Jump Shot: Missed
Durant Rebound (Off:1 Def:9)	01:48
Collison Hook Shot: Missed	01:31
	01:29	Jones Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)
	01:11	Beverley 3pt Shot: Missed
Durant Rebound (Off:1 Def:10)	01:10
Fisher 3pt Shot: Missed	00:54.9
	00:52.9	Team Rebound
	00:52.9	Parsons Substitution replaced by Delfino
	00:39.0 [HOU 73-78]	Garcia 3pt Shot: Made (15 PTS) Assist: Beverley (3 AST)
Durant Driving Dunk Shot: Made (29 PTS)	00:27.2 [OKC 80-73]
	00:02.8 [HOU 76-80]	Harden 3pt Shot: Made (24 PTS)
	00:01.9	Harden Foul: Personal (3 PF)
Durant 3pt Shot: Missed Block: Garcia (3 BLK)	00:00.0
Team Rebound	00:00.0
End of 3rd Quarter
Oklahoma City Thunder (61-22)		Houston Rockets (45-38)
Start of 4th QuarterBack to Top
	11:38	Garcia 3pt Shot: Missed
Sefolosha Rebound (Off:1 Def:8)	11:37
Fisher 3pt Shot: Missed Block: Beverley (1 BLK)	11:17
	11:15	Jones Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)
	10:57 [HOU 78-80]	Jones Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Delfino (3 AST)
Durant Foul: Shooting (3 PF) (1 FTA)	10:57
	10:57	Jones Free Throw 1 of 1 Missed
Durant Rebound (Off:1 Def:11)	10:57
	10:34	Jones Foul: Shooting (2 PF) (2 FTA)
Durant Free Throw 1 of 2 (30 PTS)	10:34 [OKC 81-78]
Durant Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed	10:34
	10:34	Harden Rebound (Off:1 Def:7)
	10:12	Harden 3pt Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	10:10
Collison Reverse Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS)	09:55 [OKC 83-78]
	09:38	Beverley Running Jump Shot: Missed
	09:38	Team Rebound
Collison Foul: Shooting (1 PF) (2 FTA)	09:33
	09:33 [HOU 79-83]	Delfino Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)
	09:33	Harden Substitution replaced by Parsons
	09:33 [HOU 80-83]	Delfino Free Throw 2 of 2 (2 PTS)
Durant Layup Shot: Missed	09:15
Collison Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)	09:14
Collison Tip Shot: Missed	09:14
Collison Rebound (Off:3 Def:3)	09:14
Collison Tip Shot: Missed	09:14
Team Rebound	09:13
	09:12	Jones Substitution replaced by Asik
	09:07	Asik Violation:Kicked Ball
Durant Running Jump Shot: Missed	08:55
	08:54	Asik Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)
	08:46	Delfino 3pt Shot: Missed
Durant Rebound (Off:1 Def:12)	08:44
Durant Pullup Jump shot: Made (32 PTS)	08:36 [OKC 85-80]
	08:21 [HOU 83-85]	Delfino 3pt Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Parsons (5 AST)
Team Timeout : Regular	08:20
Durant Substitution replaced by Ibaka	08:20
	08:08	Garcia Foul: Personal (4 PF)
Martin Jump Shot: Missed	08:05
	08:04	Delfino Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	07:54	Beverley Jump Shot: Missed Block: Ibaka (2 BLK)
	07:54	Team Rebound
	07:49	Delfino Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO)
	07:36	Beverley Foul: Personal (5 PF)
Collison Substitution replaced by Durant	07:36
	07:36	Beverley Substitution replaced by Harden
	07:31	Asik Violation:Kicked Ball
Fisher Jump Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Durant (4 AST)	07:27 [OKC 87-83]
	07:15 [HOU 86-87]	Delfino 3pt Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Parsons (6 AST)
Durant Running Jump Shot: Made (34 PTS)	06:54 [OKC 89-86]
Ibaka Foul: Shooting (3 PF) (2 FTA)	06:49
	06:49 [HOU 87-89]	Harden Free Throw 1 of 2 (25 PTS)
	06:49 [HOU 88-89]	Harden Free Throw 2 of 2 (26 PTS)
Ibaka Turnaround Fadeaway shot: Missed	06:29
	06:26	Asik Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)
Sefolosha Foul: Personal (4 PF)	06:26
	06:17	Delfino Layup Shot: Missed
Ibaka Rebound (Off:6 Def:3)	06:15
	06:09	Delfino Foul: Shooting (1 PF) (2 FTA)
Durant Free Throw 1 of 2 (35 PTS)	06:09 [OKC 90-88]
Durant Free Throw 2 of 2 (36 PTS)	06:09 [OKC 91-88]
	05:46 [HOU 91-91]	Parsons 3pt Shot: Made (21 PTS) Assist: Harden (6 AST)
Durant 3pt Shot: Missed	05:26
	05:24	Delfino Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
Sefolosha Foul: Personal (5 PF) (2 FTA)	05:04
	05:04
Fisher Substitution replaced by Jackson	05:04
	05:04	Harden Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	05:04	Team Rebound
	05:04	Harden Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Durant Rebound (Off:1 Def:13)	05:04
	04:47	Harden Foul: Personal (4 PF) (2 FTA)
Durant Free Throw 1 of 2 (37 PTS)	04:47 [OKC 92-91]
Durant Free Throw 2 of 2 (38 PTS)	04:47 [OKC 93-91]
	04:33	Garcia 3pt Shot: Missed
	04:32	Team Rebound
	04:24	Harden 3pt Shot: Missed
	04:23	Parsons Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)
	04:20	Delfino 3pt Shot: Missed
Ibaka Rebound (Off:6 Def:4)	04:18
Sefolosha 3pt Shot: Missed	04:03
	04:02	Parsons Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)
	03:45 [HOU 94-93]	Delfino 3pt Shot: Made (11 PTS) Assist: Parsons (7 AST)
Durant 3pt Shot: Missed	03:18
Ibaka Rebound (Off:7 Def:4)	03:16
Ibaka Turnaround Fadeaway shot: Made (15 PTS)	03:13 [OKC 95-94]
	03:03	Harden Driving Layup Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	03:01
	03:01	Team Timeout : Regular
Martin 3pt Shot: Missed	02:38
	02:37	Asik Rebound (Off:1 Def:7)
	02:30	Parsons Turnover : Bad Pass (5 TO) Steal:Martin (2 ST)
Martin Jump Shot: Missed	02:05
	02:03	Garcia Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)
	01:49	Harden Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)
Ibaka Layup Shot: Made (17 PTS) Assist: Martin (3 AST)	01:25 [OKC 97-94]
Ibaka Foul: Shooting (4 PF) (2 FTA)	01:17
	01:17 [HOU 95-97]	Harden Free Throw 1 of 2 (27 PTS)
Martin Substitution replaced by Fisher	01:17
	01:17 [HOU 96-97]	Harden Free Throw 2 of 2 (28 PTS)
Ibaka Jump Shot: Missed	01:01
	01:00	Parsons Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)
	00:45.2 [HOU 99-97]	Garcia 3pt Shot: Made (18 PTS) Assist: Delfino (4 AST)
Team Timeout : Regular	00:45.2
Durant 3pt Shot: Made (41 PTS)	00:41.9 [OKC 100-99]
	00:29.9	Harden Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Fisher (1 ST)
	00:12.5	Garcia Foul: Personal (5 PF) (2 FTA)
Fisher Free Throw 1 of 2 (8 PTS)	00:12.5 [OKC 101-99]
Fisher Free Throw 2 of 2 (9 PTS)	00:12.5 [OKC 102-99]
	00:12.5	Team Timeout : Regular
	00:08.3 [HOU 101-102]	Harden Driving Layup Shot: Made (30 PTS)
	00:08.0	Parsons Foul: Personal (3 PF) (2 FTA)
Jackson Free Throw 1 of 2 (13 PTS)	00:08.0 [OKC 103-101]
	00:08.0	Delfino Substitution replaced by Jones
Jackson Free Throw 2 of 2 (14 PTS)	00:08.0 [OKC 104-101]
	00:08.0	Team Timeout : Short
	00:08.0	Jones Substitution replaced by Delfino
	00:01.5	Delfino 3pt Shot: Missed
Jackson Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	00:00.1
End of 4th Quarter