Oklahoma City Thunder recorded a valuable away victory (98 – 97) against the San Antonio Spurs in the second game of the semi-final playoff series between these two teams in the Western Conference of the NBA. So, Thunder now equalized the number of victories (1 – 1) and they will have the advantage of their home field in the next two matches.
The two big stars of Oklahoma City Thunder – Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant showed a world class performance. Westbrook scored 29 points, while Durant finished with 28 points. Westbrook added 10 assists, and 7 rebounds. Steven Adams, who plays as a centre, was also at his usual level. He finished with 12 points and 17 rebounds.
LaMarcus Aldridge was again above all, for Spurs, scoring 41 points, just 3 more than he scored in the first match between the two teams. Kawhi Leonard added 14 points and 7 rebounds. So after two matches in San Antonio, the next two matches will be held in Oklahoma.
In the other match, which was played earlier this morning, the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the hosts Atlanta Hawks 104 – 93. So The Cavaliers are now 2-0 wins ahead in the aggregate score. LeBron James was the best for the winners. He recorded 25 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds, while Kyrie Irving added 21 points and 8 assists. The reserve player Dennis Schroder was the top scorer for the visitors, finishing with 27 points while Paul Millsap only scored 17 points.
The last year’s champions Golden State Warriors won 110 – 99 against the visiting team of Portland and led 2 – 0 victories on aggregate in the semifinal series of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association.
The champions struggled very seriously, being behind by 28 – 45 after 16 minutes. They were also 11 points down (76 – 87) just before the last quarter. But the Golden State Warriors equalized 6:44 minutes before the final siren, then they scored 10 points in a row and proved they are better.
Despite the absence of Stephen Curry, who is injured, Klay Thompson showed he is in great shape and scored 27 points for The Warriors. Draymond Green finished with 17 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists. Damian Lillard finished with 25 points for the visiting team, while CJ McCollum added 22.
In the last match Miami won dramatically by 102 – 96 against Toronto in the first game of the semifinal series in the East Conference. The regular time ended with a draw (90 – 90), after the visitors squandered an advance of 79 – 69 in the last 6:31 minutes of the game and let Kyle Lowry equalize for Canadians.
At the extra time, however, Miami made a great start, scoring eight straight points and that decided the match. Goran Dragic finished with 26 points and 6 rebounds for the visitors, while Dwyane Wade added 24 points and 6 rebounds. Jonas Valaciunas was Toronto’s leader and managed to score 24 points. DeMar DeRozan was also effective, scoring 22 points.