Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press
The Oklahoma City Thunder arent all set to leave the bubble simply.
OKC beat the Houston Rockets 104-100 in Mondays Game 6 of their first-round playoff series at Walt Disney World Resort and required a Game 7 at the same time. Chris Paul led the method with an impressive proving and, at least for the time being, avoided the Thunder from losing in the first round for a 4th successive season.
Paul was the experienced leader down the stretch and blew past Robert Covington to draw a nasty before calmly hitting two totally free throws with 13.1 seconds staying to give his group the lead for good. Russell Westbrook tossed it away on the occurring possession to all however end it.
As for the Rockets, a strong proving from James Harden was inadequate to clinch an area in the 2nd round for the 4th straight year
. Significant Player Stats. Chris Paul, G, OKC:
28 PTS, 7 REB, 3 AST, 3 STL.
Danilo Gallinari, F, OKC: 25 PTS, 5 REB, 2 STL.
James Harden, G, HOU: 32 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST, 5 TO.
Robert Covington, F, HOU: 18 PTS, 5 REB, 5 STL, 3 BLK.
Russell Westbrook, G, HOU: 17 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST, 7 TO
Instead, the team chosen to keep Paul and ultimately went beyond all reasonable expectations. Youngster Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took a substantial step forward, and Danilo Gallinari worked as a scoring hazard with the guards discovering him when defenders collapsed on their penetration.
Monday was a microcosm of the season, as it was sensible to presume Houston would easily dispatch the Thunder after a blowout win in Game 5 and with Westbrook working back into the lineup.
That appeared to be the case when Houston developed a nine-point lead in the third quarter, however OKC fought back and took the lead into the 4th behind back-to-back triples from the protective expert Luguentz Dort.
House of Highlights @HoHighlightsGallinari drills the three over Harden. https://t.co/fY2ZZI9jvZ.
. Whats Next? The decisive Game 7 is Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET.
The veteran leader outplayed Harden and Westbrook down the stretch as well, drilling back-to-back 3s to connect the video game with less than 3 minutes staying, stripping Westbrook on a crucial belongings down the stretch and making the clutch complimentary tosses.
As a result, the Thunder are still combating
. Westbrook Still
Working His Way Back, Comes Up Short. All eyes were on Westbrook getting in the game from Houstons point of view since it was his second contest back from a quad injury. He was nowhere near his common self in Game 5 with seven points on 3-of-13 shooting, although the Rockets had sufficient firepower with Harden leading the way. Monday could have been all about Westbrook taking another step in the best instructions prior to he and Harden pair to fight LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the next round. It seemed as if that would be the case when Harden made up for his lack of touch from the outdoors by attacking the basket and producing try to find himself and others prior to the supporting cast spearheaded a 10-0 run in the fourth. Bleacher Report @BleacherReportBeard discovered a way for this bucket https://t.co/2gU20rII5M. NBA on TNT @NBAonTNTBeard. Stepback. ♨ https://t.co/PDRHp379Fb. Covington blended in a three and putback, P.J. Tucker struck a three and
Leader. https://t.co/aWn7fq4nNJ.
OKC attempting to force a Game 7 https://t.co/f78GXeWYlO.
. Thunder Show Fight That Has Defined Their Season.
When they traded Westbrook this offseason, it was reasonable to wonder if the Thunder were accepting a full-on rebuild. Yes, the deal netted them Paul, however there was plenty of discussion presuming they would reverse and trade the veteran in an occurring offer.
After all, Paul is a veteran who has actually never ever won a title and might go to a win-now circumstance, while OKC might have netted draft choices or young possessions to facilitate a rebuild.
Bleacher Report @BleacherReportCP3 strikes another three then taps RoCo https://t.co/gHrQu7mftN.
Gallinari discovered his stroke from deep, Gilgeous-Alexander drew defenders in with his explosiveness prior to assisting in and Paul was in control with a variety of floaters, well-timed drives and quick passes.
Bleacher Report @BleacherReportShai getting pails by any methods required https://t.co/NxRX8ntdWM.
Bleacher Report @BleacherReportRockets- Thunder heating up https://t.co/BlVmawvM5S.
Bleacher Report @BleacherReportCP3 coaching up the squad.
All eyes were on Westbrook getting in the video game from Houstons perspective since it was his 2nd contest back from a quad injury. Monday could have been all about Westbrook taking another action in the right direction before he and Harden set up to battle LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the next round. Paul removed Westbrook on an essential ownership and the Rockets guard air-balled a mid-range pull-up all in the final 90 seconds. He likewise tossed the ball out of bounds following Pauls winning totally free throws all while Harden enjoyed without a chance to connect the game or take the lead. StatMuse @statmuseRussell Westbrook in the clutch tonight:.
Eric Gordon attacked the rim throughout the spurt that put the Rockets in position to win. Paul removed Westbrook on a key ownership and the Rockets guard air-balled a mid-range pull-up all in the final 90 seconds. He likewise tossed the ball out of bounds following Pauls winning totally free throws all while Harden viewed without a chance to tie the video game or take the lead. Bleacher Report @BleacherReportCostly turnover for Russ https://t.co/E3xucKznNv. StatMuse @statmuseRussell Westbrook in the clutch tonight:. 1 airball. 1 missed layup. 2 turnovers https://t.co/xy4BtSte2e. It was a huge failure by the nine-time All-Star and a tip Harden must be the one with the ball in his hands at crunch time till he is fully healthy
Bleacher Report @BleacherReportDort back-to-back threes.
