The Rockets outscored the Thunder 33-22 in the fourth quarter to wrap up the series in five games, winning 105-99 in Houston.
Russell Westbrook finished with 47 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists (no triple-double? C’mon, Brodie!), but it didn’t matter.
This infographic is pretty crazy . . .
In the series, Westbrook averaged 35 points, 12 rebounds and 11.3 assists, but shot just 37.3 percent from the field and 25.8 percent from the 3-point line.
Harden, who will probably take second to Westbrook in the MVP race, averaged 33 points, 7.8 assists and six rebounds with a bum ankle (which is not an excuse in case you were wondering).
The Rockets will play the winner of the Spurs and Grizzlies series. Currently, the Spurs hold a 3-2 lead.
Speaking of which . . .
Throwing It Back
The Spurs beat the Grizzlies 116-103 to take a 3-2 series lead in San Antonio.
Kawhi Leonard led the Spurs with 28 points, but that’s what you expect. What you don’t expect in this point in their careers is Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili to combine for 26 points, nine assists, five rebounds and four steals while shooting 10-for-16 from the field, 3-for-6 from the 3-point line and 3-for-3 from the free-throw line.
It’s a huge win, obviously, for the Spurs, but the Grizzlies have been gritty in this series and I wouldn’t be shocked to see a Game 7.
Game 6 will be on Thursday in Memphis at 8:30 p.m.
Joe Johnson Will Live Forever
Joe Johnson guided the Jazz to a Game 4 win and hit a Game 1 winner. He did it again in Tuesday’s 96-92 road win over the Clippers, giving the Jazz a 3-2 series lead.
Johnson finished with 14 points and eight rebounds off the bench. We said earlier that Johnson is 74 years old. That’s not true. He’s 35. And in five games this series, he’s averaging 18.2 points, second to just Gordon Hayward on the team.
When Utah signed Johnson in the summer of 2016, fans probably didn’t think Johnson would win a playoff series, but it looks like that’s exactly what’s happening.
Game 6 is set for Friday in Utah at 9:30 p.m.
Until tomorrow, good friends.